counterattack / comeback
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counterattack
In sports, a quick counterattack that is launched immediately after defending against an opponent's attack.
Nach dem Ballgewinn in der Abwehr fuhr die Mannschaft einen blitzschnellen Konter.
After winning the ball in defense, the team launched a lightning-fast counterattack.
'Der Konter' (the counterattack/comeback) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'kontern' (to counter). Both express a quick counter-reaction to an action, whether in sports, in a discussion, or in combat.
Er konnte auf den Vorwurf nicht sofort kontern.
He couldn't counter the accusation immediately.
'Der Konter' (the counterattack/comeback) always means a counter-reaction. It should not be confused with the English word 'counter', which can also refer to a counter in a shop or a service desk.
Die Antwort des Politikers war ein geschickter Konter.
The politician's answer was a skillful comeback.
In a sports context, especially in football, the fixed phrase 'einen Konter fahren' (to launch a counterattack) is often used to describe a quick counterattack.
Nach dem Eckball fuhr die Gastmannschaft einen gefährlichen Konter.
After the corner kick, the away team launched a dangerous counterattack.
When a quick-witted answer is meant, 'Konter' (comeback) is often combined with adjectives such as 'schlagfertig' (quick-witted), 'geistreich' (witty), 'elegant' (elegant), or 'trocken' (dry/deadpan).
Mit einem trockenen Konter brachte sie die ganze Runde zum Lachen.
With a deadpan comeback, she made the whole group laugh.
answer
'die Antwort' and 'der Konter' can both be a reaction in a conversation. 'die Antwort' is neutral: someone reacts to a question, request, or message. 'der Konter' is more specific. It is quick, witty, and often a bit combative, for example in a discussion or argument. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Konter' is also a kind of answer. But not every answer is a 'Konter'. 'Antwort' fits almost always in everyday language; 'Konter' only fits when someone reacts especially quickly and pointedly.
Auf den frechen Kommentar hatte mein Bruder sofort einen guten Konter.
My brother immediately had a good comeback to the cheeky comment.
Nach der Frage des Kunden gibt Lisa eine klare Antwort.
After the customer's question, Lisa gives a clear answer.