counterattack / comeback
Loading your saved state.
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.
comeback
A quick, witty, and pointed reply in a discussion or argument.
Auf die provokante Frage seines Gegners hatte er sofort einen geistreichen Konter parat.
He immediately had a clever comeback ready for his opponent's provocative question.
counterpunch
In boxing, a counterpunch that immediately follows an opponent's punch and takes advantage of their movement.
Der Boxer wich dem Haken aus und landete einen harten Konter am Kinn.
The boxer dodged the hook and landed a hard counterpunch on the chin.
'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.
countermove / return train
Both words refer to a reaction to an opponent’s attack or move. “Gegenzug” is more general and can mean any planned counteraction, while “Konter” specifically refers to a quick, direct counterattack in sports. Use “Konter” when the sporting, immediate reaction is the focus.
Nach dem abgewehrten Angriff startete die Mannschaft einen schnellen Konter.
After defending against the attack, the team launched a quick counterattack.
Nach dem Angriff des Gegners plante die Mannschaft einen klugen Gegenzug.
After the opponent’s attack, the team planned a clever countermove.
