der
Konter
🎯 What does "der Konter" mean?
The German word der Konter primarily has two meanings:
In a sports or military context: A quick counter-attack that immediately follows an opponent's attack. Especially common in football (Fußball ⚽), boxing (Boxen 🥊), or handball (Handball).
In a linguistic context: A witty retort or comeback to a statement, accusation, or provocation. A clever reply (Replik). 🗣️
Both meanings imply a rapid reaction to a preceding action.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar of "Konter" in Detail
"Konter" is a masculine noun and uses the article der. It follows the strong declension pattern.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Konter |
| Genitive | des | Konters |
| Dative | dem | Konter |
| Accusative | den | Konter |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Konter |
| Genitive | der | Konter |
| Dative | den | Kontern |
| Accusative | die | Konter |
📝 Example Sentences
- Sport: Die Mannschaft erzielte nach einem schnellen Konter das entscheidende Tor.
(The team scored the deciding goal after a quick counter-attack.) - Sport: Der Boxer wich dem Schlag aus und setzte sofort zum Konter an.
(The boxer dodged the punch and immediately launched a counter-punch.) - Language: Auf die spöttische Bemerkung hatte sie einen schlagfertigen Konter parat.
(She had a witty retort ready for the sarcastic remark.) - Language: Sein unerwarteter Konter brachte den Diskussionsgegner zum Schweigen.
(His unexpected comeback silenced the opponent in the discussion.)
🗣️ How to use "der Konter"?
The usage of der Konter depends heavily on the context:
- Sports/Combat: Here, it describes a tactical action, a swift counter-reaction to an attack. You often hear it in sports commentary ("Ein blitzsauberer Konter!" - A lightning-fast counter!).
- Conversation/Debate: Here, it refers to a verbal reaction, often a witty or sharp reply that counters or parries a previous statement. It can express admiration for quick-wittedness ("Das war ein guter Konter!" - That was a good comeback!).
Potential for confusion? ⚠️ Sometimes "Konter" is used colloquially for a counter or bar (like in a pub or shop), but this is less common and varies regionally. The standard words for this are der Tresen or die Theke.
💡 Mnemonics for "der Konter"
For the article (der): Think of 'DER' (the) strong counter-attack or 'DER' sharp comeback. Both are decisive, often seen as 'masculine' actions in traditional terms.
For the meaning: Konter sounds like the English 'counter'. A Konter is always a reaction counter to something preceding it – be it an attack in sports or a statement in conversation.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- For counter-attack:
- der Gegenangriff (counter-attack)
- der Gegenstoß (counter-thrust)
- die Gegenoffensive (counter-offensive)
- For witty reply:
Similar words: Be careful not to confuse Konter with Konto (bank account) or Container (container).
😄 A little joke
Fragt der Trainer den Stürmer: "Warum hast du den Konter nicht abgeschlossen?"
Sagt der Stürmer: "Ich dachte, Konter ist nur die Mehrzahl von Konto und wollte keine Schulden machen!"
(Coach asks the striker: "Why didn't you finish the counter-attack (Konter)?"
Striker replies: "I thought 'Konter' was just the plural of 'Konto' (account) and didn't want to go into debt!")
✍️ Poem about the Konter
Der Gegner stürmt, mit Kraft und Mut,
Doch Abwehr steht, hält stand der Flut.
Ein Pass, ein Lauf, blitzschnell die Wende,
Der Konter rollt, nimmt jähes Ende
Der Angriffsdruck, das Tor fällt klar,
Ein Jubelschrei, wie wunderbar!
Im Wortgefecht, ein Stich, ein Hieb,
Man glaubt schon fast, der Sieg verblieb.
Doch scharf und schnell, präzis gezielt,
Der Konter sitzt, das Wort gespielt.
Der Gegner schweigt, verblüfft, erstaunt,
Die Schlagfertigkeit Applaus umraunt.
(The foe attacks with force and might,
But defense stands, holds back the flight.
A pass, a run, a swift reverse,
The counter rolls, the pressure terse
Is broken now, the goal is clear,
A joyful shout, dispelling fear!
In verbal spar, a thrust, a blow,
One almost thinks the victor's glow
Is settled now. But sharp and fast,
Precisely aimed, the die is cast.
The comeback lands, the word takes hold,
The opponent's silent, stunned and cold.
The quick retort applause has found,
Admired by all who stand around.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin schnell und eine Reaktion,
Im Sport oft eine Sieger-Aktion.
Auch im Gespräch bin ich gewandt,
Als Antwort schnell zur Hand.
Was bin ich?
(... Der Konter)
(I am quick and a reaction,
In sports often a winning action.
In conversation, too, I'm adept,
As an answer quickly kept.
What am I?)
(... Der Konter / The counter-attack / The retort)
🧩 Other Information
Word Origin: The word "Konter" derives from the Latin prefix contra, meaning "against". This reflects its meaning as a counter-reaction.
Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): There are several compound words, e.g.:
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Konter?
The word "Konter" is masculine. The correct article is always der Konter (in plural: die Konter).
