der  Widersacher

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈviːdɐzaχɐ/

📖 What does "der Widersacher" mean?

Der Widersacher refers to a person who opposes or resists someone or something. It's a rather elevated or somewhat archaic term for an opponent, adversary, foe, or antagonist.

In a religious context, especially in Christianity, "der Widersacher" is often used as a synonym for the Devil or Satan, the ultimate adversary of God and humanity.

It only uses the article der because it refers to a male person (or a concept personified as male).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "Widersacher" in Detail

"Der Widersacher" is a masculine noun. It belongs to the weak declension (n-Deklination). This means it takes the ending -n in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular cases, as well as in all plural cases except the genitive (which takes no ending in plural).

💡 Example Sentences

1. Im Prozess stand der Angeklagte seinem Widersacher gegenüber.
   (In the trial, the defendant faced his adversary.)
2. Er sah in seinem Konkurrenten nicht nur einen Gegner, sondern einen persönlichen Widersacher.
   (He saw his competitor not just as an opponent, but as a personal adversary.)
3. Die Sage erzählt vom Kampf des Helden gegen seinen mächtigen Widersacher.
   (The legend tells of the hero's fight against his powerful antagonist.)
4. In vielen Religionen gibt es die Figur des göttlichen Widersachers.
   (In many religions, there is the figure of the divine adversary.)

🗣️ How to use "Widersacher"?

The term "Widersacher" is mostly used today in elevated language, in literary or historical contexts. In everyday language, words like Gegner (opponent), Konkurrent (competitor), or Feind (enemy) are more common.

• Conflicts/Disputes: Can be used to describe an opponent in a serious conflict or confrontation. (Example: Sein politischer Widersacher griff ihn scharf an. - His political adversary attacked him sharply.)
• Competition: Sometimes used in sports or professional competition, but often sounds a bit dramatic here. (Example: Im Finale traf er auf seinen alten Widersacher. - In the final, he met his old rival/adversary.)
• Literature/Film: Frequently used to denote the antagonist or villain. (Example: Sherlock Holmes und sein genialer Widersacher Professor Moriarty. - Sherlock Holmes and his brilliant adversary Professor Moriarty.)
• Religion: Specifically as a term for the Devil. (Example: Der Glaube an den Widersacher ist in vielen Kulturen präsent. - Belief in the Adversary is present in many cultures.)

⚠️ Although correct, using it in everyday conversation might sound exaggerated or old-fashioned. "Gegner" is often more neutral and common.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the Article: Imagine a man (*der*) who constantly goes *wider* (against) you – he is *der Widersacher*.

For the Meaning: Someone who brings *wider* (against) arguments in an important *Sach*e (matter) is your *Widersacher* (adversary).

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Warum lädt der Held seinen Widersacher nie zum Essen ein?

Weil er Angst hat, dass er ihm ständig widerspricht!

(Why does the hero never invite his adversary for dinner? Because he's afraid he'll constantly contradict him!)

📜 A Short Poem

Im Schatten lauert, finster, sacht,
Der Widersacher, voller Macht.
Sein Ziel ist Streit, sein Wort ist List,
Doch wer ihm trotzt, ein Sieger ist.

(In shadows lurking, dark and slight,
The adversary, full of might.
His aim is strife, his word is sly,
But who defies him, victory's nigh.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich steh dir gegenüber, im Streit, im Spiel,
Dir entgegenzuwirken ist mein Ziel.
Mal bin ich Feind, mal Konkurrent,
Ein alter Name, der noch brennt.
In Sagen oft als Böser dargestellt,
Im Glauben gar als Fürst der Unterwelt.

Wer bin ich? (I stand before you, in fight, in game,
To work against you is my aim.
Sometimes a foe, sometimes competing,
An ancient name, still strongly beating.
In legends often portrayed as bad,
In faith, as underworld's dark lad.

Who am I?)

(Answer: Der Widersacher / The Adversary)

ℹ️ Additional Information

Word Composition

The word "Widersacher" is composed of:

• wider: A preposition/adverb meaning "against".
• Sach(e): Refers to a "matter", "case", or "thing".
• -er: A suffix denoting a person performing an action (agent).

Literally, it means someone who opposes a matter or acts against someone in a matter.

Cultural Significance

The term carries strong cultural and historical connotations, often linked to epic struggles between good and evil, heroes and their nemeses, or theological concepts of the Devil.