01
der Ringer
wrestler
A person who practices the combat sport of wrestling.
example
Der deutsche Ringer gewann die Goldmedaille bei den Olympischen Spielen.
The German wrestler won the gold medal at the Olympic Games.
der Ringer
wrestler
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Ringer' (wrestler) is derived directly from the verb 'ringen' (to wrestle/struggle). This verb means both 'to fight' in sports and 'to make an intense effort for something,' which explains the two meanings of the noun.
EXAMPLE
Er musste lange mit sich ringen, bevor er eine Entscheidung traf.
He had to wrestle with himself for a long time before he made a decision.
Typical collocations
In a sports context, a wrestler is often associated with the place where the match happens. Typical phrases are 'der Ringer steht auf der Matte' (the wrestler is standing on the mat) or 'tritt in den Ring' (steps into the ring).
EXAMPLE
Schon als Kind wollte er ein berühmter Ringer werden und auf der Matte stehen.
Even as a child, he wanted to become a famous wrestler and stand on the mat.
Context clue
You can usually recognize the figurative meaning from the fixed connection with 'um' (for/about). If someone speaks of a 'Ringer um Worte' (struggler for words) or 'Ringer um eine Lösung' (struggler for a solution), it means a person who is making a mental effort.
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker war ein zäher Ringer um einen Kompromiss.
The politician was a persistent struggler for a compromise.
Register
The use of 'Ringer' (struggler) in the figurative sense is rather rare and belongs to an elevated, often literary or journalistic style.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Biografie beschreibt er sich als lebenslangen Ringer um Anerkennung.
In his biography, he describes himself as a lifelong struggler for recognition.
Compare with
Ringer vs Kämpfer
fighter
'der Kämpfer' and 'der Ringer' can both mean people who fight physically. 'der Kämpfer' is the more general word and fits many kinds of fighting, for example boxing, martial arts, or war. 'der Ringer' is much more precise: he practices the combat sport of wrestling. Both words can also be used figuratively when someone fights hard for a goal. They can be confused because a wrestler is also a fighter. But not every fighter is a wrestler. When it is about the sport of wrestling, 'Ringer' is the precise word.
Ringer
Der Ringer versucht, seinen Gegner auf die Matte zu drücken.
The wrestler tries to push his opponent down onto the mat.
Kämpfer
Für seine Familie ist er ein echter Kämpfer und gibt nie auf.
For his family, he is a real fighter and never gives up.
In real life
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