01
siegen
to win
To be the winner in a competition, battle, or conflict; to achieve a victory.
example
Nach einem spannenden Spiel siegte unsere Mannschaft mit 2:1.
After an exciting game, our team won 2–1.
siegen
to win
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Siegen' (to win) is the verb in the word family around 'der Sieg' (the victory) and 'der Sieger' (the winner). If you know one of these words, you can understand the others more easily.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sieg feierte die ganze Mannschaft mit ihrem Siegerpokal.
After the victory, the whole team celebrated with their winner's trophy.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the subject of the sentence. If a person or a team is the subject, it is about a competition. If an abstract concept such as 'die Liebe' (love) is the subject, the figurative meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Am Ende siegte die Gerechtigkeit.
In the end, justice prevailed.
Style and register
The verb 'siegen' (to win) is often used in an elevated or literary style, especially in the figurative meaning. It can sound more solemn or dramatic.
EXAMPLE
In den alten Legenden siegt der Held immer über das Böse.
In the old legends, the hero always triumphs over evil.
Use with 'über'
If you want to express whom someone won against, you use the preposition 'über' (over/against) with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Heimmannschaft siegte klar über die Gäste.
The home team won clearly against the visitors.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'siegen' (to prevail) is often used with abstract, positive concepts as the subject. Typical examples are: reason, truth, good, or love.
EXAMPLE
Trotz aller Lügen hat am Ende die Wahrheit gesiegt.
Despite all the lies, truth prevailed in the end.
Compare with
siegen vs verlieren
to lose
'verlieren' and 'siegen' are direct opposites in competition. When a team, a person, or a side 'siegt', they are the winner. When they 'verliert', they do not win and are defeated by the other side. 'siegen' often sounds a little more formal or solemn than 'gewinnen' and fits well with competitions, fights, or important conflicts. 'verlieren' is the normal word for the negative result.
siegen
Nach einem schweren Kampf siegte der Boxer in der letzten Runde.
After a difficult fight, the boxer won in the final round.
verlieren
Unsere Mannschaft hat das letzte Spiel knapp verloren.
Our team narrowly lost the last game.
In real life
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