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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Kampf
contest / struggle
A competition or effort to achieve a goal against an opponent or resistance, for example in sports or politics.
EXAMPLE
Der Kampf um die Meisterschaft war bis zum letzten Spieltag spannend.
The contest for the championship remained exciting until the final matchday.
der Kampf
struggle
An intense personal effort to overcome a difficulty, an illness, or a problem.
EXAMPLE
Sein Kampf gegen die Krankheit hat viele Menschen inspiriert.
His struggle against the illness inspired many people.
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
Krieg and Kampf can both refer to an intensive, long-lasting effort against a major problem. Krieg sounds stronger and presents the approach figuratively as a military confrontation. Kampf is less emphatic and also fits ordinary, intensive efforts against a problem.
Kampf
Die Regierung verstärkt mit neuen Beratungsstellen den Kampf gegen die Drogensucht.
The government is stepping up the fight against drug addiction by opening new counseling centers.
Krieg
Die Regierung erklärt den Drogenbanden mit einer großen Militäroperation den Krieg.
The government declares war on the drug gangs with a major military operation.
In real life
Loading video examples...