second-division team
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second-division team
A sports team or club that plays in the second-highest division, the second league, of a national championship, especially in soccer.
Nach dem Abstieg aus der Bundesliga spielt der Verein nun als Zweitligist um den Wiederaufstieg.
After being relegated from the Bundesliga, the club is now playing as a second-division team for promotion back up.
The word is built from three parts: 'zweit-' (second, from 'zweite'), 'Liga' (league), and the ending '-ist', which indicates belonging. A 'Zweitligist' (second-division team) is therefore a club that belongs to the second league.
Der Hamburger SV ist seit einigen Jahren ein Zweitligist.
Hamburger SV has been a second-division team for several years.
This word follows a clear pattern in German sports journalism. In the same way, there is 'Erstligist' (first-division team) and 'Drittligist' (third-division team).
Nach dem Aufstieg ist der Verein nun wieder ein Erstligist.
After promotion, the club is now a first-division team again.
This word is used almost exclusively in a sports context, especially in soccer, handball, or basketball. Outside sports news or sports discussions, you hardly hear it.
Der Zweitligist kämpft am Wochenende um wichtige Punkte für den Klassenerhalt.
The second-division team is fighting for important points this weekend to avoid relegation.
