das  Gegentor

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡeːɡn̩ˌtɔʁ/

🥅 What Exactly is a 'Gegentor'?

Das Gegentor refers to a goal scored by the opposing team in sports, especially in ball games like football (soccer), handball, or ice hockey. So, it's a goal that counts against one's own team.

Imagine your favorite team is playing, and the opponent kicks the ball into the net – that is a Gegentor for your team. It's the opposite of scoring a goal yourself (ein eigenes Tor).

⚠️ There are no different meanings based on the article, as 'Gegentor' is always neuter (das).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Gegentor

The word "Gegentor" is a noun and takes the article das. It is neuter. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

💡 Example Sentences

1. Die Mannschaft kassierte kurz vor Schluss ein ärgerliches Gegentor.
   (The team conceded an annoying goal shortly before the end.)
2. Der Torwart konnte das Gegentor nicht verhindern.
   (The goalkeeper couldn't prevent the goal against them.)
3. Nach drei Gegentoren in der ersten Halbzeit war die Moral am Boden.
   (After three goals against them in the first half, morale was low.)
4. Die Analyse des letzten Gegentors zeigte Abwehrfehler auf.
   (The analysis of the last goal conceded revealed defensive errors.)

🎯 How to Use 'Gegentor'

"Das Gegentor" is used almost exclusively in a sports context to describe a goal that a team or player has conceded.

• Sports reporting: Very common in match reports, live tickers, or analyses (e.g., "Ein frühes Gegentor brachte die Heimmannschaft ins Wanken." - An early goal against them made the home team falter.).
• Talking about sports: Fans, players, and coaches use the word regularly when discussing match results or how games unfolded.
• Distinction from 'Tor': While 'Tor' neutrally means a goal scored (by anyone), 'Gegentor' specifically emphasizes that it was a goal scored by the opponent. "Ein Tor schießen" (to score a goal) is positive for one's own team, while "ein Gegentor kassieren/bekommen" (to concede a goal) is negative.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article "das"

Think of das Spiel (the game), das Netz (the net), das Pech (the bad luck) – these neuter words fit the feeling of das Gegentor when the opponent scores! Or: Goals are often the result ('das Ergebnis') of a game ('das Spiel') -> das Gegentor.

For the meaning

A goal scored 'gegen' (against) you hurts. It's a Gegen-tor. Imagine the ball going against your wishes into the goal.

🔄 Similar and Opposite: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be careful: "Eigentor" (own goal) is not a synonym! An Eigentor is a goal a player accidentally scores into their own net. While it counts as a Gegentor for the team, it has a specific cause.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Trainer den Torwart nach dem Spiel: "Sag mal, warum hast du denn bei dem letzten Gegentor nicht einfach die Arme hochgerissen?"
Antwortet der Torwart: "Trainer, ich dachte, das Netz hält den Ball schon auf!"

Translation:

The coach asks the goalkeeper after the game: "Tell me, why didn't you just raise your arms for that last goal against you?"
The goalkeeper replies: "Coach, I thought the net would stop the ball!"

📜 A Short Poem

Der Ball fliegt schnell, die Fans sind laut,
Ein Schuss, der sich ins Netz vertraut.
Doch Jubel nur auf fremder Seit’ –
Das Gegentor, wie tut es leid!
Der Torwart flucht, die Abwehr schaut,
Ein Punkt, der nun dem Feind anvertraut.

Translation:

The ball flies fast, the fans are loud,
A shot that finds the net, endowed.
But cheers arise from the other side –
The goal against, nowhere to hide!
The keeper curses, defense stares,
A point now granted to enemy snares.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich falle oft im Fußballspiel,
doch bringe niemals Freude viel.
Der Gegner jubelt, wenn ich zähl',
für deine Mannschaft bin ich Quäl'.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: das Gegentor

Translation:

I often occur in a football game,
but never bring much joyous fame.
The opponent cheers when I'm the score,
for your own team, I'm quite a chore.

What am I?

Solution: das Gegentor (the goal against)

🧩 Word Building Blocks: Das Gegentor

The word "Gegentor" is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), meaning it's built from two parts:

• gegen: This preposition here expresses opposition or an opposite direction (against one's own team).
• Tor: Refers to the goal in the game, into which the ball or puck must be put to score a point.

Together, they form the meaning: A goal scored against one's own team.