countermeasure
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countermeasure
An action or procedure taken to cancel out, reduce, or counteract the effect of another, usually negative or unwanted action.
Die Firma ergriff sofortige Gegenmaßnahmen, um den Imageschaden zu begrenzen.
The company took immediate countermeasures to limit the damage to its image.
The word is a clear example of a German compound. It consists of “gegen” (against) and “die Maßnahme” (measure). A “Gegenmaßnahme” (countermeasure) is therefore literally a “measure against” something.
Als Gegenmaßnahme erhöhte die Zentralbank die Zinsen.
As a countermeasure, the central bank raised interest rates.
“Gegenmaßnahme” is very often combined with the verbs “ergreifen” (to take), “einleiten” (to initiate), or “treffen” (to take). The most common and most formal expression is “Gegenmaßnahmen ergreifen” (to take countermeasures).
Die Regierung muss wirksame Gegenmaßnahmen ergreifen, um die Krise zu bewältigen.
The government must take effective countermeasures to deal with the crisis.
To express what the measure is directed against, you use the preposition “gegen” followed by the accusative. For example: “Gegenmaßnahmen gegen den Klimawandel” (countermeasures against climate change).
Welche Gegenmaßnahmen gegen Cybermobbing gibt es an Schulen?
What countermeasures against cyberbullying are there in schools?
countermove / return train
Both words refer to a reaction to another side’s actions. “Gegenzug” is the general strategic counteraction, while “Gegenmassnahme” refers to a specific action taken against a usually negative effect or unwanted course of action. Use “Gegenmassnahme” when the aim is to deliberately reduce or prevent this effect.
Als Gegenmassnahme gegen die neue Regel führte der Verein eine eigene Kontrolle ein.
As a countermeasure against the new rule, the club introduced its own inspection.
Auf die neue Regel des Vereins kündigte die Gruppe einen Gegenzug an.
In response to the club’s new rule, the group announced a countermove.
