cup / trophy
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trophy
A trophy, usually in the form of a decorated metal cup, awarded as a prize in a sporting competition.
Der Kapitän der Siegermannschaft durfte den Pokal als Erster in die Höhe stemmen.
The captain of the winning team was the first to lift the trophy into the air.
Pay attention to the verb to know whether the trophy (object) or the competition is meant. Verbs like 'gewinnen' (to win) or 'hochhalten' (to hold up) refer to the trophy, while 'teilnehmen' (to take part) or 'ausscheiden' (to be eliminated) mean the competition.
Die Mannschaft hat den Pokal gewonnen. (Trophäe)
The team won the trophy. (trophy)
When 'der Pokal' (the trophy) is the trophy, it is often combined with verbs of winning and showing: 'den Pokal gewinnen' (to win the trophy), 'den Pokal überreichen' (to present the trophy), 'den Pokal hochhalten' (to hold up the trophy), or 'den Pokal verteidigen' (to defend the trophy).
Der Kapitän durfte den Pokal als Erster hochhalten.
The captain was the first to hold up the trophy.
When 'der Pokal' (the cup) refers to the competition, typical phrases are: 'im Pokal spielen' (to play in the cup), 'aus dem Pokal ausscheiden' (to be knocked out of the cup), 'eine Runde weiterkommen' (to advance to the next round), or 'das Pokalfinale erreichen' (to reach the cup final).
Leider ist unser Team schon früh aus dem Pokal ausgeschieden.
Unfortunately, our team was knocked out of the cup early.
The meaning 'Trinkgefäß' (drinking vessel) is outdated or limited to historical contexts. It describes a large, often decorated goblet, not a normal glass.
Im Museum sahen wir alte Pokale aus Gold und Silber.
In the museum, we saw old goblets made of gold and silver.
price / prize
'der Preis' and 'der Pokal' can both be something you receive after a competition. 'der Preis' is more general: it can be money, a voucher, a medal, or another prize. 'der Pokal' is a specific kind of prize, usually a trophy in the shape of a cup, especially in sports. The words can be confused because a trophy is often awarded as a prize. If you mean the award in general, use 'Preis'. If you mean the trophy, use 'Pokal'.
Emil stellt den Pokal nach dem Fußballspiel auf sein Regal.
Emil puts the trophy on his shelf after the soccer match.
Wer den Wettbewerb gewinnt, bekommt einen Preis und eine Urkunde.
Whoever wins the competition receives a prize and a certificate.