der  Gegentreffer

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡeːɡn̩ˌtʁɛfɐ/

🎯 What exactly is a Gegentreffer?

The German word der Gegentreffer (masculine) refers in sports, especially team sports like football (soccer), handball, or ice hockey, to a goal scored by the opposing team against one's own team. So, it's a goal that your team concedes.

Imagine your favorite team is playing, and the opponent scores a goal – that is a 'Gegentreffer' for your team. It's the opposite of a goal scored by your own team ('Treffer' or 'Tor').

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Gegentreffer

The word "Gegentreffer" is a masculine noun. The article is der.

💬 Example Sentences

1. Die Mannschaft kassierte kurz vor Schluss einen unnötigen Gegentreffer.
   (The team conceded an unnecessary goal shortly before the end.)
2. Der Torwart konnte den Gegentreffer leider nicht verhindern.
   (Unfortunately, the goalkeeper couldn't prevent the conceded goal.)
3. Nach drei schnellen Gegentreffern war die Moral am Boden.
   (After three quick conceded goals, morale was low.)
4. Wir müssen die Anzahl der Gegentreffer pro Spiel reduzieren.
   (We need to reduce the number of goals conceded per game.)

🗣️ How "Gegentreffer" is Used

The term "Gegentreffer" is used almost exclusively in a sports context. It describes the event from the perspective of the team that conceded the goal.

• Typical Sports: Fußball (soccer), Handball, Eishockey (ice hockey), Wasserball (water polo), etc.
• Focus: It emphasizes the negative aspect for one's own team (unlike 'Tor' or 'Treffer', which can be neutral or positive for the scorer).
• Potential Confusion: Don't confuse it with 'Konter' (a quick counter-attack), although a 'Konter' can lead to a 'Gegentreffer'. An 'Eigentor' (own goal) is a specific type of 'Gegentreffer' caused by a player from the conceding team.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: Think of the English word 'the' ending in 'e', which might remind you of 'der'. Or associate it with strong, masculine sports actions where goals are conceded: der Gegentreffer.

Meaning Mnemonic: 'Gegen' means 'against'. A 'Treffer' is a 'hit' or 'goal'. So, a 'Gegentreffer' is literally a 'hit/goal against' your team.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words (Watch Out!)

• Konter: A counter-attack, not the goal itself.
• Eigentor: An own goal (a type of Gegentreffer).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Trainer seinen neuen Stürmer: "Wie viele Tore haben Sie letzte Saison geschossen?"
Stürmer: "Keine Ahnung, aber ich habe nur drei Gegentreffer verschuldet!"

Translation: The coach asks his new striker: "How many goals did you score last season?"
Striker: "No idea, but I was only responsible for three goals conceded!"

📜 Little Poem about the Gegentreffer

Der Ball fliegt schnell, ein harter Schuss,
Ins Netz er zischt, welch ein Verdruss.
Die Fans sind still, die Freude weicht,
Ein Gegentreffer, bitter erreicht.Der Gegner jubelt, laut und froh,
Für uns're Mannschaft ist's ein K.o.?
Nein, aufstehen, weiterkämpfen, klar,
Auch wenn der Gegentreffer schmerzlich war.

Translation:
The ball flies fast, a powerful shot,
Into the net it whizzes, what a sad lot.
The fans are quiet, joy gives way,
A goal conceded, a bitter day.
The opponent cheers, loud and bright,
For our team, is it knockout's plight?
No, get up, fight on, make it clear,
Even though the conceded goal brought fear.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich falle oft im Spiel,
Bring einer Seite Leid statt Ziel.
Der Gegner freut sich sehr,
Ich mach das Punkten schwer.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I often happen in the game,
Bringing one side sorrow instead of aim.
The opponent rejoices with glee,
I make scoring difficult, you see.

What am I?

Solution: Der Gegentreffer (a goal conceded)

💡 More about the Word

Word Composition:

The word "Gegentreffer" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Gegen-: A prefix meaning 'against', 'counter-', or 'opposition'.
• Treffer: A noun meaning 'hit', 'strike', or specifically 'goal' in sports.

Together, the meaning is formed: A goal scored against one's own team.