der  Konkurrenzkampf

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔnkuˈʁɛntsˌkampf/

🎯 Meaning of Konkurrenzkampf

Der Konkurrenzkampf (masculine noun) describes a situation where two or more parties (people, companies, teams, etc.) compete for the same goal or limited resources. It's often an intense competition or struggle where everyone tries to be better or more successful than the others.

Typical contexts include:

• Economy (Wirtschaft): Companies fight for market share, customers, or contracts.
• Sports (Sport): Teams or athletes compete for victory or titles.
• Workplace (Arbeitswelt): Colleagues compete for a promotion or recognition.
• Politics (Politik): Parties fight for votes.

The word often emphasizes the effort and the 'struggle' (Kampf) aspect of competition more strongly than the more neutral German word Wettbewerb.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Konkurrenzkampf

The word Konkurrenzkampf is a masculine noun. It follows strong declension.

Declension

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Konkurrenzkampf zwischen den beiden Supermärkten ist hart.
   (The competition between the two supermarkets is fierce.)
2. Wegen des starken Konkurrenzkampfes mussten die Preise gesenkt werden.
   (Because of the strong competitive pressure, prices had to be lowered.)
3. Wir beobachten intensive Konkurrenzkämpfe in der Technologiebranche.
   (We are observing intense competitive struggles in the tech industry.)
4. Dem harten Konkurrenzkampf konnte das kleine Geschäft nicht standhalten.
   (The small shop couldn't withstand the tough competition.)

🧑‍🏫 How to use Konkurrenzkampf correctly

The word Konkurrenzkampf is used to describe an active and often intense struggle between competitors. It carries a stronger connotation than Wettbewerb (competition) and often implies difficulty, effort, or even aggressiveness.

• In business: Der Konkurrenzkampf um qualifizierte Mitarbeiter nimmt zu. (The competitive struggle for qualified employees is increasing.) This refers to the active fight for a resource.
• In sports: Der Konkurrenzkampf um die Startplätze in der Nationalmannschaft ist eröffnet. (The competition for starting positions in the national team has begun.) Emphasizes the direct rivalry.
• Figuratively: Sometimes used for internal conflicts or social dynamics, although less common.

Comparison with Wettbewerb:

• Wettbewerb: Is more neutral and generally describes the state of competing or a specific event (e.g., a sports competition). Es herrscht gesunder Wettbewerb. (There is healthy competition.)
• Konkurrenzkampf: Emphasizes intensity, difficulty, and the 'struggle' aspect. Der ruinöse Konkurrenzkampf zwang viele Firmen zur Aufgabe. (The cutthroat competition forced many companies to give up.)

⚠️ Avoid using Konkurrenzkampf for friendly or playful contests where Wettbewerb or Wettstreit would be more appropriate.

🧠 Mnemonics for Konkurrenzkampf

Remembering the article: Think of 'Kampf' (fight, struggle) as a masculine concept requiring a strong protector: DER Kampf. Therefore, it's also DER Konkurrenzkampf.

Remembering the meaning: Imagine competitors (Konkurrenz) engaged in a fierce 'Kampf' (fight/struggle) for the top spot. It's a Konkurrenz-Kampf.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Potential Confusion

• Konkurrenz: Refers to the competitors themselves or the state of competition, but not necessarily the active 'struggle' (Kampf).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Unternehmer den anderen: Wie schläfst du eigentlich bei diesem harten Konkurrenzkampf?
Antwortet der andere: Wie ein Baby! Ich wache jede Stunde auf und weine.

(One entrepreneur asks another: How do you sleep with this fierce competition?
The other replies: Like a baby! I wake up every hour and cry.)

📜 Poem about Konkurrenzkampf

Der Markt ist eng, das Ziel ist klar,
Jeder kämpft, Jahr für Jahr.
Im Konkurrenzkampf, heiß und wild,
Wird mancher Plan und Traum erfüllt,
Ein andrer scheitert, fällt zurück,
So ist's im Rennen um das Glück.
Der Preis, der Kunde, jeder Schritt,
Im steten Kampf hält keiner mit,
Der nicht mit Mut und Kraft agiert,
Und seine Strategie vollführt.

(The market's tight, the goal is clear,
Everyone fights, year after year.
In competition's struggle, hot and wild,
Many a plan and dream is compiled,
Another fails, falls behind the track,
Such is the race for fortune's stack.
The price, the customer, every stride,
In constant battle, none can ride,
Who doesn't act with courage, might,
And execute their strategy right.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Streit, doch ohne Waffen,
Wo Firmen und Athleten schaffen,
Um besser als der Rest zu sein,
Mal groß, mal härter, mal ganz klein.
Ich treibe an zu Höchstleistung,
Bin oft der Wirtschaft Schöpfungsgeistung.

Was bin ich?(Lösung: Der Konkurrenzkampf)

(I am a fight, but without arms,
Where firms and athletes brave the storms,
To be much better than the rest,
Sometimes large, harsh, or smallest test.
I push towards the highest feat,
Am often the economy's creative heat.

What am I?
Answer: Der Konkurrenzkampf / Competition / Competitive Struggle)

🧩 Word Origin and More

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word Konkurrenzkampf is a compound noun, made up of:

• Konkurrenz: from Latin concurrere meaning to run together, meet, compete.
• Kampf: from Old High German kampf, originally meaning fenced area for a duel, later generally fight, struggle, conflict.

The combination emphasizes the aspect of struggle and contention within competition.