01
der Kicker
footballer
Colloquial term for a football player.
example
Schon als Kind wollte er ein berühmter Kicker werden.
Even as a child, he wanted to become a famous footballer.
der Kicker
footballer / foosball
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Kicker' is derived from the colloquial verb 'kicken' (to play football). The ending '-er' denotes a person who performs this action—so someone who kicks.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein leidenschaftlicher Kicker und spielt in seiner Freizeit oft Fußball.
He is a passionate footballer and often plays football in his free time.
Context clue
The meaning of 'Kicker' becomes clear from the context. If people are being discussed, it means a football player. If it is about a game in the office or in a bar, it means foosball. Quotes or media reports point to the magazine.
EXAMPLE
Mein Lieblingskicker hat gestern ein Tor geschossen.
My favorite footballer scored a goal yesterday.
Register: colloquial
The term 'Kicker' for a football player is colloquial. In official reports or more formal contexts, words such as 'Fußballspieler' (football player) or 'Profi' (professional) are more likely to be used.
EXAMPLE
Die Jungs auf dem Bolzplatz sind echt gute Kicker.
The boys on the football pitch are really good footballers.
Typical collocations
When referring to the table football game, typical phrases are 'eine Runde Kicker spielen' (to play a round of foosball), 'sich am Kicker treffen' (to meet at the foosball table), or 'ein Kicker-Turnier veranstalten' (to organize a foosball tournament).
EXAMPLE
Wer verliert, muss die nächste Runde am Kicker bezahlen.
Whoever loses has to pay for the next round at the foosball table.
Use as a source
When the magazine is meant, 'der Kicker' is often named as a source of information. Typical formulations are 'laut dem Kicker' (according to Kicker) or 'der Kicker berichtet' (Kicker reports).
EXAMPLE
Laut dem Kicker wechselt der Spieler den Verein.
According to Kicker, the player is changing clubs.
Compare with
Kicker vs Spieler
player
'der Spieler' and 'der Kicker' can both mean a person who plays football. However, 'Spieler' is much more general and fits many games and sports. 'Kicker' is colloquial and, in this meaning, specifically refers to a football player. Learners may confuse the words because you can hear both in football contexts. In neutral or formal texts, 'Spieler' is more natural; in casual conversations about football, 'Kicker' can fit well.
Kicker
Der junge Kicker aus Berlin hat am Sonntag sein erstes Tor gemacht.
The young footballer from Berlin scored his first goal on Sunday.
Spieler
Am Abend spricht der Trainer mit jedem Spieler über seine Leistung.
In the evening, the coach talks with each player about his performance.
In real life
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