fighting spirit
der Kampfgeist
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fighting spirit
The inner attitude and determination to fight for a goal, overcome difficulties, and not give up even in the face of setbacks.
Trotz des Rückstands zeigte die Mannschaft großen Kampfgeist und gewann das Spiel noch.
Despite being behind, the team showed great fighting spirit and still won the game.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Kampfgeistes |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Kampfgeist | – |
| accusative | den Kampfgeist | – |
| dative | dem Kampfgeist | – |
| genitive | des Kampfgeistes des Kampfgeists | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
This word is made up of 'der Kampf' (fight/struggle) and 'der Geist' (spirit). So it literally describes the 'spirit' or inner attitude you need for a fight.
Sein starker Kampfgeist half ihm, die Krankheit zu besiegen.
His strong fighting spirit helped him defeat the illness.
'Kampfgeist' is often combined with verbs such as 'zeigen' (to show), 'beweisen' (to prove/demonstrate), or 'haben' (to have). Typical adjectives are 'groß' (great), 'enorm' (enormous), or 'ungebrochen' (unbroken).
Die Mannschaft bewies bis zur letzten Minute großen Kampfgeist.
The team demonstrated great fighting spirit until the very last minute.
Although the word is used very frequently in sports, it fits any context where the point is to overcome difficulties. You can also show fighting spirit at work, in your studies, or when facing personal challenges.
Für dieses Projekt brauchen wir Mitarbeiter mit echtem Kampfgeist.
For this project, we need employees with real fighting spirit.
morality / morale
Moral and Kampfgeist both describe inner strength in a difficult situation. Moral refers more broadly to a group’s psychological state and motivation. Kampfgeist places greater emphasis on the active determination to keep fighting, overcome difficulties, and not give up.
Nach dem Gegentor zeigte die Mannschaft Kampfgeist und griff weiter an.
After conceding the goal, the team showed fighting spirit and continued attacking.
Nach dem Gegentor blieb die Moral der Mannschaft gut.
The team’s morale remained high after conceding the goal.
