offensive
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offensive
A planned attack, especially in a military context or in sports, to seize the initiative and put the opponent under pressure.
Die Mannschaft startete in der zweiten Halbzeit eine starke Offensive.
The team launched a strong offensive in the second half.
campaign
A targeted and proactive campaign or initiative to achieve a specific goal, for example in marketing or politics.
Mit einer großen Charme-Offensive versucht das Unternehmen, sein Image zu verbessern.
With a major charm offensive, the company is trying to improve its image.
offense
In sports, the part of a team mainly responsible for attacking and scoring goals or points.
Die Offensive des Vereins wurde durch einen neuen Stürmer verstärkt.
The club's offense was strengthened by a new striker.
'Die Offensive' (the offensive) is the noun related to the adjective 'offensiv' (offensive). Both words describe an active, attacking, or proactive stance, whether in sports, the military, or in a figurative sense.
Die Mannschaft ist für ihren offensiven Spielstil bekannt.
The team is known for its offensive style of play.
Common fixed expressions are 'in die Offensive gehen' (to go on the offensive) or 'zur Offensive übergehen' (to switch to the offensive), which means that someone begins to attack or act actively.
Nach dem Gegentor ging die Heimmannschaft sofort in die Offensive.
After conceding the goal, the home team immediately went on the offensive.
In marketing or politics, 'Offensive' (offensive/campaign) is often used as the second part of a compound noun to describe a targeted campaign. Typical examples are 'Charme-Offensive' (charm offensive), 'Werbe-Offensive' (advertising campaign), or 'Preis-Offensive' (price offensive).
Der neue Politiker startete eine Medien-Offensive, um bekannter zu werden.
The new politician launched a media offensive to become better known.
The meaning can be recognized from the context: In sports or the military (meaning 1), the 'Offensive' (offensive) is an action. When it refers to part of a team (meaning 3), it means the attacking players.
Die Offensive der Gastmannschaft war heute sehr schwach und harmlos.
The visiting team's offense was very weak and harmless today.
attack
An Angriff is more typically a single hostile action against a target. An Offensive is a planned, usually larger-scale operation that can consist of several attacks and last longer. Offensive is therefore more suitable for an extensive phase of attacks.
In einer mehrwöchigen Offensive setzte die Armee den Gegner an mehreren Fronten unter Druck.
In an offensive lasting several weeks, the army put pressure on the enemy along several fronts.
Mit einem Angriff eroberte die Einheit eine einzelne Stellung.
The unit captured a single position in an attack.
