German Conversation · Level 82
60 words
German word
Abwehr
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈapveːɐ̯/
Meaning
- feminine noundefense
Example
Die Abwehr des Landes wurde verstärkt.
The country's defense was strengthened.
More examples
Nach der Erkältung waren seine Abwehrkräfte geschwächt.
After the cold, his immune defenses were weakened.
Core concept
A strong shield actively turns an incoming attack away, whether held by a state, a team, or a person.
Common phrases
Abwehrkräfte
immune defenses
zur Abwehr von
for defense against
militärische Abwehr
military defense
Similar words
Verteidigung: The organized guarding of a country or person against threats.
Deckung: Covering an opponent or space to prevent an attack from succeeding.
Schutz: Guarding against danger, injury, or damage.
Definition in German
Die aktive Handlung oder die Fähigkeit, einen Angriff zurückzuweisen.
Word origin
The noun Abwehr derives from abwehren, which combines ab- meaning 'away' with inherited Germanic wehren meaning 'defend or repel'.
Usage tips
- In football, die Abwehr commonly means the defensive line or defenders, not only the general idea of defense.