der  Elfmeter

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɛlfˌmeːtɐ/

⚽ What exactly is an Elfmeter?

The German word der Elfmeter refers to a penalty kick in football (soccer), taken from a distance of eleven meters (elf Meter) from the goal. It's awarded by the referee after certain rule violations (usually fouls committed within the penalty area).

There's only this one main meaning, so the article is always der.

• Main meaning: A penalty kick in football from an 11-meter distance.
• Figurative meaning (rare): A clear, often final chance to achieve a goal or overcome a difficult situation (e.g., "Das war sein Elfmeter, um den Job zu bekommen." - "That was his penalty kick to get the job."). However, this usage is rather colloquial and context-dependent.

🚨 Be careful to use the term correctly in the sports context. The figurative meaning is not very common.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar in Detail: Der Elfmeter

The word "Elfmeter" is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Schiedsrichter gab einen Elfmeter für die Heimmannschaft.
   (The referee awarded a penalty kick to the home team.)
2. Die Spannung vor dem Elfmeter war riesig.
   (The tension before the penalty kick was immense.)
3. Der Torwart hielt den Elfmeter bravourös.
   (The goalkeeper saved the penalty kick brilliantly.)
4. Nach dem Elfmeter stand es 1:0.
   (After the penalty kick, the score was 1-0.)
5. Im Elfmeterschießen werden mehrere Elfmeter geschossen.
   (In a penalty shootout, several penalty kicks are taken.)

🗣️ How "der Elfmeter" is used

"Der Elfmeter" is a standard term in football/soccer. Here are typical contexts:

• Match reporting: In news, live tickers, or commentary on football matches. ("In der 85. Minute entschied der Schiedsrichter auf Elfmeter." - In the 85th minute, the referee decided on a penalty kick.)
• Explaining rules: When explaining the rules of football. ("Ein Handspiel im Strafraum führt oft zu einem Elfmeter." - A handball in the penalty area often leads to a penalty kick.)
• Training: Football players practice taking penalty kicks. ("Heute trainieren wir Elfmeter." - Today we're practicing penalty kicks.)
• Discussions: Fans discuss penalty decisions. ("War das wirklich ein berechtigter Elfmeter?" - Was that really a justified penalty kick?)

Comparison with other words:

• Strafstoß: This is a synonym and often used interchangeably. "Elfmeter" is more specific regarding the distance (11 meters), while "Strafstoß" is the more general term for penalty shots in sports (also used in other sports, e.g., Siebenmeter in handball). In a football context, however, both usually mean the same thing.
• Penalty: The English word is often used synonymously, especially in spoken language or by international commentators.

🧠 Memory Aids for "der Elfmeter"

Article Mnemonic (der)

Think of the man placing the ball on the spot – der Elfmeter. The 'M' in Elfmeter helps you remember masculine (der). Or: Der Schuss (the shot), der entscheidet (that decides)! Both 'Schuss' and 'Elfmeter' are 'der'.

Meaning Mnemonic (Penalty Kick)

It's eleven meters (Elf Meter) to the goal – that's the distance for the penalty kick in football. Just remember the number 'eleven' directly from the word!

🔁 Similar and Opposing Terms

⚠️ Potential Confusion

• Siebenmeter: Similar penalty shot, but in handball (from 7 meters). Don't mix them up!

😄 A Little Joke

Warum verschießt der Bäcker den Elfmeter?

Weil er immer nur den Pfosten trifft – den mit den Brötchen dran! 😉

Translation:

Why does the baker miss the penalty kick?

Because he always hits the post (Pfosten) – the one with the bread rolls on it! (This is a pun: 'Pfosten' means goalpost, but can also refer to a stand or rack, like one displaying bread rolls in a bakery).

📜 Penalty Poem

Der Pfiff ertönt, das Stadion schweigt,
Ein Punkt ganz weiß, der Ernst anzeigt.
Der Elfmeter, die Chance, das Glück,
Elf Schritte nur zum Tor zurück. Der Schütze läuft an, voller Mut,
Der Ball fliegt los mit heißer Glut.
Netz oder nicht? Ein kurzer Schreck,
So ist Fußball, Zweck für Zweck!

Translation:

The whistle blows, the stadium hushed,
A spot so white, by seriousness touched.
The penalty, the chance, the prize,
Eleven steps back before the goal lies.
The taker runs up, full of might,
The ball flies off, a burning light.
Net or not? A moment's fright,
That's football's purpose, day and night!

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Schuss, nach Regelbruch,
Elf Meter Distanz, ein ernster Spruch.
Im Fußball oft entscheidend, klar,
Der Torwart zittert, wunderbar.

Was bin ich?
... Der Elfmeter

Translation:

I am a shot, after a rule is broken,
Eleven meters distance, seriously spoken.
In football often decisive, it's clear,
The goalkeeper trembles, oh dear.

What am I?
... The Penalty Kick (Der Elfmeter)

🧩 More about Der Elfmeter

Word Origin

The word "Elfmeter" is a direct compound of:

• Elf: The German number word for 11.
• Meter: The unit of measurement for distance.

So, it literally describes the distance of 11 meters from the goal mark from which the penalty kick is taken. This distance is internationally standardized.

Cultural Notes

Penalty shootouts (Elfmeterschießen) are often the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments in major football tournaments (like the World Cup or European Championship) and frequently decide victory or defeat.