01
der Kampf
fight
A physical confrontation between two or more people, groups, or armies.
example
Nach dem Fußballspiel gab es einen Kampf zwischen den Fans.
After the soccer match, there was a fight between the fans.
der Kampf
fight / struggle
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Kampf' (fight/struggle) is closely related to the verb 'kämpfen' (to fight/struggle). If you know the verb, you can easily work out the meaning of the noun.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft kämpfte hart um den Sieg.
The team fought hard for the victory.
Important prepositions
The prepositions 'gegen' (against) and 'um' (for) are very common in connection with 'Kampf' (fight/struggle). 'Kampf gegen' describes the opponent or problem, while 'Kampf um' describes the goal or prize.
EXAMPLE
Der Kampf gegen die Ungerechtigkeit vereinte viele Menschen.
The fight against injustice united many people.
Typical collocations
In the context of competition, 'Kampf' (contest/struggle) is often combined with verbs like 'aufnehmen' (to take up), 'gewinnen' (to win), or 'verlieren' (to lose). The phrase 'den Kampf aufgeben' (to give up the fight) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Die Opposition hat den politischen Kampf aufgenommen.
The opposition took up the political struggle.
Context clue
When 'Kampf' (struggle) describes a personal effort, it is often connected with abstract concepts such as an illness, an addiction, or inner doubts.
EXAMPLE
Ihr langer Kampf gegen den Krebs war bewundernswert.
Her long struggle against cancer was admirable.
Compare with
Kampf vs Krieg
war
'der Krieg' and 'der Kampf' can both mean a serious confrontation. 'Krieg' is usually larger and longer, and often involves states, peoples, or organized groups. It can also be used figuratively for a very strong and lasting hostility. 'Kampf' can be a single physical fight, a contest, or a personal struggle against a problem. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with opponents and resistance. As a guide: a war often consists of many fights or battles, but not every Kampf is a Krieg.
Kampf
Nach der Krankheit begann für Lisa ein langer Kampf zurück in den Alltag.
After the illness, Lisa began a long struggle to return to everyday life.
Krieg
Der Krieg dauerte mehrere Jahre und veränderte das ganze Land.
The war lasted several years and changed the whole country.
In real life
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