defensive line
die Verteidigungslinie, die Verteidigungslinien
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defensive line
A spatially defined line or position where an army defends itself against an enemy attack.
Die Soldaten hielten die Verteidigungslinie trotz des starken Angriffs.
The soldiers held the defensive line despite the heavy attack.
defensive line
In sports, the group or area of players whose main task is to stop opposing attacks.
Die Verteidigungslinie der Mannschaft ließ in der zweiten Halbzeit kein Tor zu.
The team's defensive line did not concede a goal in the second half.
line of defense
A position in thought or speech that someone uses to protect themselves against criticism or accusations.
Der Politiker wechselte seine Verteidigungslinie und übernahm teilweise die Verantwortung.
The politician changed his line of defense and took partial responsibility.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Verteidigungslinien |
| genitive | der Verteidigungslinie |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Verteidigungslinie | die Verteidigungslinien |
| accusative | die Verteidigungslinie | die Verteidigungslinien |
| dative | der Verteidigungslinie | den Verteidigungslinien |
| genitive | der Verteidigungslinie | der Verteidigungslinien |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Verteidigungslinie' (defensive line) is made up of 'Verteidigung' (defense) and 'Linie' (line). Here, 'Linie' refers to a physical or conceptual boundary at which a defense is organized.
Auf der Karte ist die alte Verteidigungslinie deutlich eingezeichnet.
The old defensive line is clearly marked on the map.
In military texts, 'Verteidigungslinie' (defensive line) is often used with verbs such as 'halten' (to hold), 'durchbrechen' (to break through), and 'verschieben' (to move). These verbs describe whether the position remains stable or changes.
Die Truppen konnten die Verteidigungslinie mehrere Tage halten.
The troops were able to hold the defensive line for several days.
In sports, 'Verteidigungslinie' (defensive line) is often combined with information about the team's performance. Typical collocations are 'eine stabile Verteidigungslinie' (a stable defensive line) and 'die Verteidigungslinie verstärken' (to strengthen the defensive line).
Wegen mehrerer Verletzungen musste der Trainer die Verteidigungslinie verstärken.
Because of several injuries, the coach had to strengthen the defensive line.
The figurative meaning is often recognizable from words such as 'Kritik' (criticism), 'Vorwürfe' (accusations), 'Verantwortung' (responsibility), and 'Erklärung' (explanation). Typical collocations are 'eine Verteidigungslinie wechseln' (to change one's line of defense) and 'eine Verteidigungslinie aufbauen' (to build a line of defense).
Nach den neuen Vorwürfen musste der Minister seine Verteidigungslinie ändern.
After the new accusations, the minister had to change his line of defense.
