countermove / return train
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countermove
An action that is taken as a reaction to someone else's action.
Als Gegenzug für die Preissenkung des Konkurrenten startete das Unternehmen eine große Werbekampagne.
As a countermove to the competitor's price reduction, the company launched a major advertising campaign.
return train
A train that travels on the same route in the opposite direction.
Wegen einer Weichenstörung musste unser Zug auf den Gegenzug warten.
Because of a points failure, our train had to wait for the return train.
countermove
In board games such as chess, the move with which you respond to the opponent's move.
Die Schachmeisterin überlegte lange, bevor sie ihren Gegenzug ausführte.
The chess master thought for a long time before making her countermove.
The word consists of 'Gegen-' (against, in response) and 'Zug' (movement, move, train). The meaning follows directly from this combination and the respective context.
Als Gegenzug auf die Kritik veröffentlichte der Politiker eine Stellungnahme.
As a countermove to the criticism, the politician published a statement.
The meaning of 'Gegenzug' becomes clear from context. At a train station, it refers to the train going in the other direction. In board games, it is the next move. In politics or business, it is a reaction to an action.
Der Gegenzug aus Hamburg hat zehn Minuten Verspätung.
The return train from Hamburg is ten minutes late.
The expression 'im Gegenzug' is very common and means 'in return' or 'in exchange.' It expresses that one action is a reaction to another.
Er hat mir beim Umzug geholfen und im Gegenzug habe ich ihn zum Essen eingeladen.
He helped me move, and in return I invited him to dinner.
counterattack / comeback
Both words refer to a reaction to an opponent’s attack or move. “Gegenzug” is more general and can mean any planned counteraction, while “Konter” specifically refers to a quick, direct counterattack in sports. Use “Konter” when the sporting, immediate reaction is the focus.
Nach dem Angriff des Gegners plante die Mannschaft einen klugen Gegenzug.
After the opponent’s attack, the team planned a clever countermove.
Nach dem abgewehrten Angriff startete die Mannschaft einen schnellen Konter.
After defending against the attack, the team launched a quick counterattack.
