to fence / fight
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to fence
To practice the sport of fencing, in which people fight according to fixed rules with bladed weapons such as an épée, foil, or saber.
Sie ficht seit ihrer Kindheit im Verein und hat schon viele Turniere gewonnen.
She has fenced at a club since childhood and has already won many tournaments.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If the verb appears with weapons like 'Degen' (épée) or in a sports context, it refers to the sport. The preposition 'um' indicates the figurative fight. Without an object in a context of poverty, it means 'betteln' (to beg).
Er ficht seit zehn Jahren mit dem Säbel.
He has been fencing with the saber for ten years.
In a sports context, 'fechten' (to fence) is often combined with types of weapons, for example 'mit dem Degen fechten' (to fence with the épée) or 'mit dem Florett fechten' (to fence with the foil). The phrase 'gegen jemanden fechten' (to fence against someone) is also common.
Bei den Olympischen Spielen focht sie gegen die Weltmeisterin.
At the Olympic Games, she fenced against the world champion.
In the figurative meaning 'kämpfen um' (to fight for), 'fechten' (to fight) is always used with the preposition 'um' and the accusative. You fight for a goal or a right.
Die Partei focht um die Stimmen der unentschlossenen Wähler.
The party fought for the votes of undecided voters.
The expression 'um etwas fechten' (to fight for something) belongs to an elevated, rather written style. It is often found in legal, political, or literary texts.
Der Anwalt focht leidenschaftlich um den Freispruch seines Mandanten.
The lawyer fought passionately for his client's acquittal.
The meaning 'betteln' (to beg) is colloquial and is considered outdated today. It is only rarely used now, mostly in an ironic or historical context.
Er hat kein Geld dabei und muss bei seinen Freunden um eine Zigarette fechten.
He doesn't have any money with him and has to beg his friends for a cigarette.
to fight
'kämpfen' and 'fechten' can both describe a confrontation or fight. 'kämpfen' is the general word: it fits physical fights, war, sports, and also goals or problems. Today, 'fechten' usually means the sport of fencing with an épée, foil, or saber. The figurative meaning 'um etwas fechten' (to fight for something) sounds elevated and is much rarer than 'kämpfen um'. Learners may confuse the words because fencing also involves fighting. In everyday language, however, you almost always say 'kämpfen', unless it is really about the sport of fencing or about a deliberately elevated style.
Seit zwei Jahren fechtet Lisa jeden Mittwoch im Sportverein.
Lisa has been fencing every Wednesday at the sports club for two years.
Die Mannschaft kämpft bis zur letzten Minute um den Sieg.
The team fights for victory until the very last minute.