der Fußball
soccer
A team sport in which two teams try to get a ball into the opposing goal, mainly with their feet.
EXAMPLE
Jeden Samstagnachmittag spielt er mit seinen Freunden Fußball.
Every Saturday afternoon, he plays soccer with his friends.
der Fußball
soccer / football
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Meanings
der Fußball
soccer ball
The round, air-filled ball used in a game of soccer.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir mal den Fußball rüberwerfen?
Can you throw me the soccer ball?
Usage tips
Compound word
'Fußball' (soccer/football) is a compound noun made up of 'der Fuß' (the foot) and 'der Ball' (the ball). So the meaning is literally: a ball that is played with the foot.
EXAMPLE
Man braucht nur einen Ball und ein paar Freunde, um Fußball zu spielen.
You only need a ball and a few friends to play soccer.
False friend
Careful for speakers of American English: the German word 'Fußball' always means 'soccer'. The sport popular in the USA, 'American football', is usually called 'American Football' in German.
EXAMPLE
Die Weltmeisterschaft im Fußball findet alle vier Jahre statt.
The soccer World Cup takes place every four years.
Context clue
Whether the sport (m01) or the ball (m02) is meant is often revealed by the article. When speaking generally about the sport, no article is often used. When referring to the specific ball, there is usually an article or pronoun before it.
EXAMPLE
Er spielt seit seiner Kindheit Fußball.
He has played soccer since childhood.
Typical verbs
When talking about the sport, the most common combination is 'Fußball spielen' (to play soccer). You can also say 'Fußball schauen' or 'Fußball gucken' (to watch soccer) when following a game on TV or in the stadium.
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende treffen wir uns immer, um Fußball zu gucken.
On the weekend, we always meet up to watch soccer.
In real life
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