Discover the top 20 German words commonly used in sports, from ‘Tor’ to ‘Abseits’. Enhance your sports vocabulary and impress your German-speaking friends!
Introduction
Explanation of why German words are used in sports
Sports are a worldwide language and numerous sports phrases are used across the globe in every language and continent. Due to the popularity of sports in Germany and the country’s extensive sporting heritage, German terminology is frequently employed in sports.
German sports jargon is frequently used which can be attributed to the success of German sports leagues like the Bundesliga and the national team in international games.
Importance of learning the top 20 German words used in sports
Anyone who wishes to watch or take part in sports in a German-speaking nation must learn the top 20 German sports vocabulary words. It will be simpler to follow games and interact with other sports fans if you have a basic awareness of these terminologies.
Additionally, learning this terminology can help you fit in with the team and comprehend the coach’s instructions if you intend to play sports in a German-speaking nation or join a German sports club.
Common German words used in sports
Tor
Soccer, field hockey, and handball are just a few of the sports that utilize the German word “Tor” for “goal”. It describes the region that the puck or ball must pass through in order to earn a point.
Schiedsrichter
This translates to a referee in English. The Schiedsrichter is in charge of enforcing the rules of the game and ensuring that players follow them.
Abseits
Abseits is a soccer term that refers to a player closer to the opposing goal line than the ball and the second-to-last defender.
Anstoß
“Anstoß” translates to “kickoff” in English. In soccer, it is used to start the game at the start of each half and after a goal is scored.
Ecke
“Ecke” means “corner” in English. It is the corner kick awarded to a team in soccer when the ball travels out of bounds past the end line and is last touched by the defending team.
Foul
The term “foul” signifies the same thing in both German and English. It is a rule infringement that results in punishment for the guilty player or team.
Elfmeter
The term “elfmeter” translates to “penalty kick” in English. It is given to a team when a foul is committed inside the penalty area, and it allows the attacking team to score a goal without defense interference.
Mannschaft
Mannschaft means team in English. It refers to a group of players who compete against one another.
Halbzeit
Halbzeit translates to “halftime” in English. It refers to the mid-game break during which players recover and coaches may make alterations to their strategy.
Spieler
Spieler means “player.” It refers to someone who participates in a game or sport.
Advanced German words used in sports
Taktik
Taktik translates to tactics in English. It refers to a team’s or a player’s overall strategy for winning a game.
Einwurf
“Einwurf” means “throw-in” in English. When the ball goes out of bounds over the sideline in soccer, a player from the opposing team must throw it back into play.
Spielstand
In English, “Spielstand” is the same as “score” or “game score.” It speaks of a game’s current score or outcome.
Meisterschaft
“Meisterschaft” translates to “championship” in English. It refers to the highest level of competition in a sport, such as the national or league championship.
Abstieg
“Abstieg” means “relegation” in English. In soccer, it refers to a team being demoted to a lower level for bad performance.
Aufstieg
“Aufstieg” translates to “promotion” in English. In soccer, it refers to a team being promoted to a higher level based on their performance.
Trainer
Trainer means to coach in English. It refers to the person responsible for directing and guiding a team’s training and strategy.
Verein
Verein means club in English. It refers to a sporting club or organization.
Torhüter
Torhüter translates to the goalkeeper in English. It refers to the player who is in charge of guarding the goal and stopping the opposing team from scoring.
Leistung
Leistung means “achievement” or “performance” in English. It refers to a player’s or team’s performance and success in a game or tournament.
Phrases and expressions used in sports
Alles geben
“Alles geben” translates to “give it your all” or “go all out” in English. It is used to motivate players to play their best and give their all.
Etwas im Griff haben
Etwas im Griff haben translates to “have something under control” in English. It refers to a player or team who has complete control over the game and its outcome.
Am Ball bleiben
“Am Ball bleiben” translates to “stay on the ball” in English. It is used to urge players to hold the ball and keep control of the game.
Das Spiel drehen
The phrase “turn the game around” is translated as “das Spiel drehen” in English. It is used to describe circumstances where a team recovers from a deficit and seizes the initiative.
Den Ball laufen lassen
“Den Ball laufen lassen” means “let the ball do the work” in English. It refers to a type of play in which a team concentrates on passing and moving the ball fast and efficiently.
Die Nerven behalten
“Die Nerven behalten” translates to “keep your cool.” It is used to urge players to remain calm and composed under duress.
Den Gegner ausspielen
Den Gegner ausspielen means outplay the opponent in English. It is used to describe a situation where a player or team successfully defeats the opposing team through skillful play.
Ins Tor treffen
“Ins Tor treffen” translates to “hit the target” or “score a goal” in English. It is used to urge players to shoot for the goal and score.
Eine Chance herausarbeiten
“Ins Tor treffen” translates to “hit the target” or “score a goal” in English. It is used to urge players to shoot for the goal and score.
In Führung gehen
“In Führung gehen” translates to “take the lead” in English. It refers to a circumstance in which a team scores a goal and takes the lead in a game.
How can you learn the German language using Sports?
German is a language rich in sports vocabulary with words and phrases used in a range of sports. Whether you’re a sports lover, an athlete, or simply interested in the German language and culture, learning these top 20 German words and phrases can help you grasp the language and communicate more effectively in sports-related situations.
There are many other German sports expressions and words in addition to the ones included in this blog post. There are further instances such as “Foul” (foul), “Strafstoß” (penalty kick), “Ecke” (corner kick), and “Schiedsrichter” (referee).
If you want to learn more about the German language and its sports terminology there are numerous online resources available, such as language learning applications, online dictionaries, and sports news websites.
You may improve your understanding of German sports vocabulary and communicate more successfully in sports-related topics with a little practice and effort.
