die  Gegenwehr

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡeːɡn̩veːɐ̯/

🛡️ What does 'die Gegenwehr' mean?

Die Gegenwehr means resistance, defense, or opposition against an attack, pressure, or threat. It's the reaction one mounts to defend oneself (sich zur Wehr setzen).

The word is always feminine: die Gegenwehr. There are no different meanings based on different articles, as only 'die' is used.

• Physische Gegenwehr: Physically defending oneself against an attacker.
• Verbale Gegenwehr: Defending oneself with words against accusations or verbal attacks.
• Psychologische Gegenwehr: Internal resistance against pressure or manipulation.

⚠️ It is primarily used in the singular. A plural form ('die Gegenwehren') is very rare and uncommon.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Gegenwehr

The noun 'Gegenwehr' is feminine. Here is its declension in the singular:

The plural ('die Gegenwehren') is extremely rare and practically unused in normal language. Usually, 'Gegenwehr' is treated as a general concept.

Example Sentences

1. Trotz der Übermacht leisteten die Verteidiger erbitterte Gegenwehr.
   Despite being outnumbered, the defenders offered fierce resistance.
2. Er stieß bei seinem Vorschlag auf heftige Gegenwehr im Team.
   His proposal met with strong opposition from the team.
3. Sie setzte sich mit aller Kraft zur Gegenwehr.
   She defended herself with all her might.
4. Ohne Gegenwehr ließ er alles über sich ergehen.
   He endured everything without resistance.

🗣️ How to use 'Gegenwehr'?

'Gegenwehr' is often used in contexts describing a conflict, confrontation, or threat.

• Konflikte & Kampf (Conflicts & Combat): In military or sports contexts, but also in disputes. Example: Die Truppen trafen auf unerwartete Gegenwehr. (The troops encountered unexpected resistance.)
• Widerstand gegen Autorität/Druck (Resistance against authority/pressure): When someone opposes instructions, rules, or social pressure. Example: Die Schüler zeigten Gegenwehr gegen die neue Regelung. (The students showed opposition to the new regulation.)
• Selbstverteidigung (Self-defense): When fending off a physical attack. Example: Das Opfer konnte sich durch Gegenwehr befreien. (The victim managed to break free through resistance.)

Comparison with 'Widerstand': 'Widerstand' (resistance) is a broader term and can also be passive (e.g., political resistance). 'Gegenwehr' often implies a more active, direct reaction to an immediate threat or attack.

💡 Mnemonics for 'die Gegenwehr'

Article Mnemonic: Think of things associated with defense or emergency services often being feminine in German: die Feuerwehr (fire brigade), die Polizei (police). Imagine a strong woman (feminine 'die') leading the defense (Wehr) against (gegen) something – that's die Gegenwehr.

Meaning Mnemonic: 'Gegenwehr' literally translates to 'against-defense'. Imagine someone pushing against you, and you put up your arms to defend yourself – you are showing Gegenwehr.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Potentially Confusing Words: No direct confusions, but 'Abwehr' and 'Widerstand' have nuances depending on the context.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum leisten Mücken nie Gegenwehr, wenn man sie erschlagen will?

Weil sie wissen, dass ihr Stich schon der erste Angriff war! 😉

(Why do mosquitoes never offer resistance when you try to swat them? – Because they know their bite was already the first attack!)

📜 Poem about Gegenwehr

Kommt ein Druck von außen schwer,
regt sich in dir die Gegenwehr.
Ein Funke Mut, ein starkes Herz,
vertreibt den Zweifel, lindert Schmerz.
Man steht nicht still, man weicht nicht aus,
man kämpft sich frei, man bricht heraus.
Die Kraft, zu sagen: 'Nein, nicht mit mir!',
Das ist die Gegenwehr, die spür'n wir hier.

(When pressure comes heavily from outside,
The resistance stirs inside you.
A spark of courage, a strong heart,
Drives away doubt, eases the smart.
You don't stand still, you don't evade,
You fight your way free, a path is made.
The strength to say: 'No, not with me!',
That is the Gegenwehr, that we feel here.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin eine Reaktion, kein erster Schritt,
Ich komme auf, wenn man dich angreift oder tritt.
Mal bin ich laut, mal leise und stumm,
Doch immer zeige ich: Ich geb' nicht dumm nach, bleib nicht krumm.
Ich brauche Mut und manchmal Kraft,
Was bin ich, das dem Angriff trotzt mit ganzer Haft?

(I am a reaction, not a first step,
I arise when you're attacked or get a kick.
Sometimes I'm loud, sometimes quiet and mum,
But I always show: I won't give in dumbly, won't stay numb.
I need courage and sometimes might,
What am I, that defies the attack with all its plight?)

Solution: Die Gegenwehr (The resistance/defense)

🧩 Word Puzzle: Gegenwehr

Word Composition:

'Gegenwehr' is a compound noun made up of:

• gegen (preposition): means against, opposing.
• die Wehr (noun): means defense, resistance (an older term for army/defense forces, but here in the sense of 'defending oneself' - sich wehren).

So, literally, it means 'defense against' something.