counterattack
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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.
'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.
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.
defense
'die Verteidigung' and 'der Gegenangriff' can both be a reaction to an attack, but they go in different directions. With 'Verteidigung', you protect yourself, stop the opponent, or prevent damage. With a 'Gegenangriff', you respond with an attack of your own, in sports, in the military, or even in a debate. They can be confused because both can happen after an attack. The difference is simple: 'Verteidigung' means defending or warding off; 'Gegenangriff' means attacking back.
Nach der Kritik startete die Ministerin einen scharfen Gegenangriff.
After the criticism, the minister launched a sharp counterattack.
Die Mannschaft konzentriert sich nach der Pause stärker auf die Verteidigung.
After the break, the team focused more on defense.