der Sechser
six
The digit or number 6.
EXAMPLE
Beim Würfeln brauche ich einen Sechser, um zu gewinnen.
When rolling the dice, I need a six to win.
der Sechser
six / defensive midfielder / six-pack
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Meanings
der Sechser
defensive midfielder
In soccer, the position of the defensive midfielder who plays in front of the defense. The term comes from the number 6, which was traditionally worn on the back by players in this position.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Sechser der Mannschaft ist zweikampfstark und verteilt die Bälle klug.
The team's new defensive midfielder is strong in tackles and distributes the ball intelligently.
der Sechser
six-pack
A packaging unit of six bottles or cans, usually for drinks such as beer or lemonade. Also called 'Sechserträger' or six-pack.
EXAMPLE
Bringst du zum Grillen bitte noch einen Sechser Bier mit?
Could you please bring a six-pack of beer to the barbecue?
der Sechser
failing grade
In the German school system, the worst grade, 'ungenügend' (insufficient), which is 6.
EXAMPLE
Weil er die Prüfung gar nicht mitgeschrieben hat, bekam er einen Sechser.
Because he didn't take the exam at all, he got a failing grade.
Sechser im Lotto
lottery jackpot
The top prize in a lottery, where you have picked six correct numbers. It is also used metaphorically for an extraordinary stroke of luck or success.
EXAMPLE
Diese tolle Wohnung zu finden war wie ein Sechser im Lotto.
Finding this great apartment was like winning the lottery jackpot.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the number 'sechs' (six). The ending '-er' turns the number into a noun that refers to the number itself or to something connected with it.
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine Telefonnummer mit einem Sechser am Ende.
He has a phone number with a six at the end.
Context clue
You can recognize the many meanings of 'Sechser' from the topic. In sports, it refers to the soccer player; when shopping, to the drink pack; at school, to the grade; and in gambling, to the lottery win.
EXAMPLE
Der Trainer lobte seinen Sechser für die gute Abwehrarbeit.
The coach praised his defensive midfielder for the good defensive work.
Soccer context
In soccer jargon, 'der Sechser' is a very common term for the defensive midfielder. People also speak of the 'Sechser-Position' (number-six position).
EXAMPLE
Er spielt auf der Position des Sechsers.
He plays in the defensive midfielder position.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'Sechser' is usually combined with a type of drink. Typical examples are 'ein Sechser Bier' (a six-pack of beer), 'ein Sechser Cola' (a six-pack of cola), or 'ein Sechser Wasser' (a six-pack of water).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du vom Supermarkt einen Sechser Limonade mitbringen?
Can you bring a six-pack of lemonade from the supermarket?
Cultural context
This meaning is only understandable in the context of the German school system. The grading scale ranges from 1 (very good) to 6 (insufficient). A 'Sechser' is therefore the worst possible grade.
EXAMPLE
Für die nicht abgegebene Hausaufgabe hat er einen Sechser bekommen.
He got a failing grade for the homework he didn't hand in.
Metaphorical use
The expression 'ein Sechser im Lotto' is very often used metaphorically for an extreme stroke of luck or a direct hit. It does not have to be about real money.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Job in dieser schönen Stadt ist für mich wie ein Sechser im Lotto.
This job in this beautiful city is like winning the lottery jackpot for me.
Compare with
Sechser vs sechs
six
As a school grade, Sechs is the neutral term for the worst grade. Der Sechser refers to the same grade but sounds colloquial. Sechs is more suitable in a factual report; in casual conversation, you can say Sechser.
Sechser
Unter Freunden nennt Paul seine schlechte Mathenote einen Sechser.
Among friends, Paul calls his poor math grade a failing grade.
sechs
Im Zeugnis steht in Mathematik eine Sechs.
The report card shows a six in mathematics.
In real life
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