die Schlacht
battle
A large, organized fight between military units as part of a war.
EXAMPLE
In der Schlacht bei Leipzig kämpften mehrere hunderttausend Soldaten.
Several hundred thousand soldiers fought in the Battle of Leipzig.
die Schlacht
battle / slaughter
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Schlacht
battle
A fierce, often chaotic confrontation or intense competition, also in a figurative sense.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem starken Regen wurde das Fußballspiel zu einer reinen Schlammschlacht.
After the heavy rain, the soccer match turned into a pure mud battle.
die Schlacht
slaughter
The killing of animals, especially livestock, to obtain meat. Usually used in compounds such as 'Schlachthof' (slaughterhouse).
EXAMPLE
Der Bauer brachte die Schweine zur Schlacht auf den nahegelegenen Hof.
The farmer brought the pigs to the nearby farm for slaughter.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Schlacht' (the battle/slaughter) is closely related to the verb 'schlagen' (to hit, to beat). At its core, a battle is a large, organized form of 'hitting' between two groups.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Heere schlugen eine blutige Schlacht.
The two armies fought a bloody battle.
Typical collocations
In a military context, 'Schlacht' (battle) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'eine Schlacht schlagen' (to fight a battle), 'eine Schlacht gewinnen' (to win a battle), or 'eine Schlacht verlieren' (to lose a battle).
EXAMPLE
Die Armee hat die entscheidende Schlacht gewonnen.
The army won the decisive battle.
Figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, 'Schlacht' (battle) describes an intense fight. It is often used in compound words, which can also be playful, such as 'Kissenschlacht' (pillow fight) or 'Schneeballschlacht' (snowball fight).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder hatten im Garten eine lustige Schneeballschlacht.
The children had a fun snowball fight in the garden.
Context clue
The meaning 'killing animals' is rare today when the word stands alone. You almost always recognize it in compounds such as 'Schlachthof' (slaughterhouse), 'Schlachttier' (animal for slaughter), or 'schlachten' (to slaughter, the verb).
EXAMPLE
Der Metzger arbeitet auf dem Schlachthof.
The butcher works at the slaughterhouse.
Compare with
Schlacht vs Kampf
fight / struggle
Both words can refer to a military encounter. Kampf is more general and can also mean a smaller or longer physical confrontation, whereas Schlacht typically refers to a large, organized battle in a war. Use Schlacht for a clearly defined large-scale event and generally prefer Kampf otherwise.
Schlacht
Die Soldaten kämpften am Fluss in einer großen Schlacht um die Stadt.
The soldiers fought a major battle by the river for the city.
Kampf
Die Soldaten lieferten sich am Fluss einen kurzen Kampf.
The soldiers engaged in a brief fight by the river.
In real life
Loading video examples...