to reply / counter
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to reply
(elevated) To answer a statement or question, often in the form of an objection or counterclaim; to respond.
„Das sehe ich völlig anders“, entgegnete sie ihm mit fester Stimme.
"I see that completely differently," she replied to him in a firm voice.
to counter
(elevated) To set one thing against another as a reaction or countermeasure.
Der scharfen Kritik der Opposition hatte der Minister keine überzeugenden Argumente zu entgegnen.
The minister had no convincing arguments to counter the opposition's sharp criticism.
'Entgegnen' (to reply / counter) is an inseparable verb; the prefix 'entgegen-' is not separated. It carries the meaning of 'against' or 'in response to'.
Sie entgegnete ihm, dass sie anderer Meinung sei.
She replied to him that she was of a different opinion.
This verb always requires a dative for the person or thing one is reacting to. The structure is: 'jemandem (Dativ) etwas entgegnen' (to reply/counter with something to someone).
Auf die Frage des Journalisten entgegnete der Politiker nur ein Lächeln.
In response to the journalist's question, the politician replied only with a smile.
'Entgegnen' (to reply / counter) is a formal word and is mainly used in written language, in speeches, or in formal discussions. It often sounds more intellectual or detached than 'antworten' (to answer).
In seiner offiziellen Stellungnahme entgegnete das Unternehmen den Vorwürfen.
In its official statement, the company countered the allegations.
'Entgegnen' (to reply) is often used to introduce direct speech, especially when it expresses a contradiction or a different perspective. The verb can come before or after the quotation.
„Das ist nicht wahr!“, entgegnete sie wütend.
"That's not true!" she replied angrily.
to answer / respond
Antworten generally means reacting to a question or statement. Entgegnen sounds more elevated and usually emphasizes that the answer contains an objection or contradiction. Without an opposing position, antworten is more appropriate; for a clear counterclaim, entgegnen is more precise.
Auf Toms Behauptung entgegnete Lea bestimmt: „Das stimmt nicht.“
Lea firmly countered Tom’s claim, “That’s not true.”
Auf Toms Behauptung antwortete Lea ruhig: „Das kann sein.“
Lea calmly answered Tom’s claim, “That may be so.”
