der  Gegenangriff

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡeːɡn̩ˌʔaŋɡʁɪf/

🎯 What exactly is a Gegenangriff?

A Gegenangriff is a military or sporting action where an opponent's attack is met with one's own attack. So, it's a reaction to an assault, aiming to regain the initiative or push back the opponent.

The word is masculine in German, so it's always der Gegenangriff. There are no other articles or meanings for this specific word.

🚨 Attention: Don't confuse it with "der Angriff" (the initial attack) or "die Verteidigung" (the defense, fending off an attack).

📖 Grammar: How to decline 'der Gegenangriff'

"Der Gegenangriff" is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Example Sentences

1. Die Truppen starteten einen überraschenden Gegenangriff.
   (The troops launched a surprising counterattack.)
2. Die Fußballmannschaft antwortete auf das Gegentor mit einem schnellen Gegenangriff.
   (The football team responded to the conceded goal with a quick counterattack.)
3. Im Schachspiel kann ein gut geplanter Gegenangriff das Blatt wenden.
   (In a game of chess, a well-planned counterattack can turn the tide.)
4. Die Firma wehrte sich gegen die feindliche Übernahme mit einem juristischen Gegenangriff.
   (The company fought back against the hostile takeover with a legal counterattack.)

🗣️ Using 'Gegenangriff' Correctly

The term Gegenangriff is primarily used in contexts involving conflict, competition, or confrontation:

• Military: Describing a tactical response to an enemy attack.
• Sports: Often used in football (soccer), handball, or ice hockey to describe a swift offensive move after winning the ball or following an opponent's attack (Konter).
• Debates/Discussions: Used figuratively when responding to a verbal attack or criticism with one's own argument or accusation.
• Business: Less common, but possible, e.g., in response to aggressive market strategies by a competitor.

Compared to 'Angriff' (attack), 'Gegenangriff' emphasizes the reaction to a preceding action.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the Article: Imagine a strong general (der General) giving the order: "Zum Gegenangriff!" (To the counterattack!). Strength and leadership are often associated with masculine nouns in German.

For the Meaning: The word itself is a clue! Gegen (against/counter) + Angriff (attack) = An attack directed against another attack.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Gegenangriff

😂 A Little Joke

Warum war der Schachspieler so schlecht im Fußball?

(Why was the chess player so bad at football/soccer?)

Weil er nach jedem Angriff erstmal einen Gegenangriff plante!

(Because after every attack, he first planned a counterattack!)

✒️ Poem about the Word

Der Feind rückt vor, mit lautem Schrei,
(The enemy advances, with a loud cry,)
Doch unsre Abwehr steht dabei.
(But our defense stands by.)
Kaum ist der erste Stoß pariert,
(Hardly is the first thrust parried,)
Wird schon der Plan neu justiert.
(The plan is already readjusted.)
Ein Signal, ein schneller Lauf,
(A signal, a quick run,)
Zum Gegenangriff stürmen wir drauf!
(We storm forward for the counterattack!)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin die Antwort auf Gewalt,
(I am the answer to force/violence,)
Im Sport, im Krieg, im Rededuell, ganz alt.
(In sports, in war, in debates, very old.)
Bin ich erfolgreich, wendet sich das Blatt,
(If I am successful, the tables turn,)
Der Angegriffene plötzlich die Oberhand hat.
(The one attacked suddenly has the upper hand.)

Was bin ich? / What am I? (Lösung/Solution: der Gegenangriff)

🧩 Word Components and Trivia

The word "Gegenangriff" is a compound noun (Kompositum), made up of:

• gegen: A preposition and prefix indicating opposition, resistance, or direction against something.
• Angriff: A noun derived from "angreifen" (to attack).

Together, they form the logical meaning: An attack directed against a prior attack.