counterattack
der Gegenangriff, die Gegenangriffe
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counterattack
A military or sports action in which one responds to an opponent's attack with an attack of one's own.
Nach dem Tor der Gastmannschaft startete das Heimteam sofort einen wütenden Gegenangriff.
After the visiting team's goal, the home team immediately launched a furious counterattack.
counterattack
A verbal or strategic response to criticism, an accusation, or a hostile action in a debate, argument, or business conflict.
In der politischen Talkshow startete der Minister einen scharfen Gegenangriff auf die Opposition.
In the political talk show, the minister launched a sharp counterattack against the opposition.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Gegenangriffe |
| genitive | des Gegenangriffs |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Gegenangriff | die Gegenangriffe |
| accusative | den Gegenangriff | die Gegenangriffe |
| dative | dem Gegenangriff | den Gegenangriffen |
| genitive | des Gegenangriffs | der Gegenangriffe |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Gegenangriff' (counterattack) is made up of the preposition 'gegen' (against) and the noun 'Angriff' (attack). The prefix 'Gegen-' always expresses a reaction or an opposing action.
Die Antwort des Politikers war ein direkter Gegenangriff.
The politician's response was a direct counterattack.
A 'Gegenangriff' (counterattack) is typically combined with verbs such as 'starten' (to start/launch), 'einleiten' (to initiate), or 'führen' (to conduct/lead). These verbs fit both military/sports contexts and verbal contexts.
Die Mannschaft startete nach dem Gegentor sofort einen Gegenangriff.
The team immediately launched a counterattack after conceding the goal.
Die Anwältin leitete einen verbalen Gegenangriff ein.
The lawyer initiated a verbal counterattack.
You can tell from context whether a physical or a verbal 'Gegenangriff' (counterattack) is meant. Words like 'Truppen' (troops), 'Mannschaft' (team), or 'Spiel' (game/match) point to the literal meaning, while 'Debatte' (debate), 'Kritik' (criticism), or 'Vorwurf' (accusation) point to the figurative meaning.
Der Gegenangriff der Soldaten war erfolgreich.
The soldiers' counterattack was successful.
Ihre Rede war ein kluger Gegenangriff auf die Vorwürfe der Presse.
Her speech was a clever counterattack against the accusations from the press.
counterattack / comeback
Konter and Gegenangriff are reactions to an attack in sports. Gegenangriff refers generally to one's own attack in response, while Konter particularly emphasizes the quick move after defending. Konter is appropriate when the team switches quickly to attack; Gegenangriff is the broader term for any sporting attacking response.
Nach der Balleroberung begann die Mannschaft einen Gegenangriff.
After winning the ball, the team began a counterattack.
Nach der Balleroberung startete die Mannschaft einen schnellen Konter.
After winning the ball, the team launched a quick counterattack.
