der Wettkampf
competition
A sporting competition between individuals or teams to determine a winner.
EXAMPLE
Die Athleten bereiten sich intensiv auf den olympischen Wettkampf vor.
The athletes are preparing intensively for the Olympic competition.
der Wettkampf
competition
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Meanings
der Wettkampf
competition
In a figurative sense, a competition or rivalry in a non-sporting area, such as business or politics.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beiden Technologiekonzernen herrscht ein harter Wettkampf um die Marktführerschaft.
There is fierce competition between the two technology corporations for market leadership.
Usage tips
Compound structure
The word 'Wettkampf' (competition) is composed of 'Wette' (bet/competition) and 'Kampf' (fight). So it literally describes a fight in which the goal is to win.
EXAMPLE
Der Zehnkampf ist ein sehr anspruchsvoller Wettkampf.
The decathlon is a very demanding competition.
Context clue
You can tell from context whether the sporting or figurative meaning is intended. Words like 'Athleten' (athletes), 'Mannschaft' (team), or 'Stadion' (stadium) point to sports. Words like 'Unternehmen' (companies), 'Marktanteile' (market shares), or 'Politik' (politics) point to economic or social competition.
EXAMPLE
Die Schwimmer bereiten sich auf den Wettkampf vor.
The swimmers are preparing for the competition.
Typical collocations
In a sports context, 'Wettkampf' (competition) is often used with certain verbs: you can take part in a competition, contest a competition, win one, or lose one.
EXAMPLE
Unsere Mannschaft hat am letzten Wettkampf nicht teilgenommen.
Our team did not take part in the last competition.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, people often speak of a 'harter' (tough) or 'fairer' (fair) 'Wettkampf' (competition). It is frequently used with the preposition 'um', which names the goal of the competition.
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Kandidaten lieferten sich einen fairen Wettkampf um die Wählerstimmen.
The two candidates engaged in a fair competition for votes.
Compare with
Wettkampf vs Spiel
game / play
Spiel and Wettkampf can both refer to a sporting competition. Spiel is particularly suitable for sports organized as games, such as soccer. Wettkampf is broader and also applies to races, fights, or technical disciplines; it is also possible for a soccer game.
Wettkampf
Der Wettkampf zwischen den beiden Läufern beginnt um acht Uhr.
The competition between the two runners begins at eight o’clock.
Spiel
Das Spiel zwischen den beiden Fußballmannschaften beginnt um acht Uhr.
The game between the two soccer teams begins at eight o’clock.
In real life
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