close combat
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close combat
A direct physical confrontation or fight between opponents at very short range, often without the use of firearms.
Die Soldaten wurden speziell für den Nahkampf ausgebildet.
The soldiers were specially trained for close combat.
close combat
In a figurative sense, a very intense and direct verbal or intellectual confrontation between people.
Die Debatte im Parlament entwickelte sich zu einem regelrechten Nahkampf der Fraktionsführer.
The debate in parliament developed into a real close combat between the parliamentary group leaders.
The word is composed of 'nah' (near/close) and 'Kampf' (fight/combat). So it literally describes a fight that takes place at very short, close range.
Im Training lernen die Polizisten Techniken für den Nahkampf.
In training, the police officers learn techniques for close combat.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about soldiers, police, or martial arts, it refers to physical combat. If it is about politics, debates, or discussions, it refers to the figurative, verbal confrontation.
Der Soldat war ein Experte im Nahkampf.
The soldier was an expert in close combat.
In the literal meaning, 'Nahkampf' (close combat) is often combined with verbs such as 'trainieren' (to train), 'üben' (to practice), or 'ausbilden' (to train/instruct). The context is usually military or relates to self-defense.
Sie bietet Kurse an, in denen Frauen den Nahkampf zur Selbstverteidigung üben.
She offers courses in which women practice close combat for self-defense.
In the figurative meaning, the phrase 'sich einen Nahkampf liefern' (to engage in a close combat) is often used. Common adjectives here are 'verbal' (verbal) or 'politisch' (political), to specify the type of confrontation.
Die beiden Kandidaten lieferten sich einen politischen Nahkampf um die Wählerstimmen.
The two candidates engaged in political close combat over the voters' support.
duel / one-on-one
Zweikampf and Nahkampf can both refer to a direct physical confrontation. With Zweikampf, the crucial point is that exactly two opponents are fighting. With Nahkampf, the focus is on the very short distance; several opponents may also be involved.
Als die Gegner nur noch wenige Schritte voneinander entfernt waren, begann der Nahkampf.
When the opponents were only a few steps apart, close combat began.
Abseits der anderen Kämpfer trugen die beiden Gegner einen Zweikampf aus.
Away from the other fighters, the two opponents engaged in a one-on-one fight.
