German word

Handball

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhantˌbal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhandball

Example

Die Regeln des Handballs sind wichtig.

The rules of handball are important.

Illustration for Handball (handball)

More examples

Wir haben ein Handballspiel gesehen.

We saw a handball match.

Core concept

Teammates advance a ball across a marked court with their hands and finish the play with a goal-bound throw.

Common phrases

  • ein Handballspiel sehen

    see a handball match

  • über Handball sprechen

    talk about handball

Similar words

Fußball: An outdoor team sport where players kick a ball into the opposing goal.
Basketball: A team sport where players shoot a ball through a raised hoop.
Volleyball: A team sport where players hit a ball over a net onto the opposing court.
Handballspiel: A match or game played in the sport of handball.

Definition in German

Ein Ballsport, bei dem Spieler den Ball überwiegend mit der Hand kontrollieren und versuchen, Tore zu erzielen.

Word origin

The noun combines the inherited German words Hand and Ball, whose meanings directly describe the sport's basic equipment and action.

Usage tips

  • English handball can also mean a football infringement, but that sense is usually called Handspiel in German.

Related words

  • Handballspielhandball matchnoun
  • Handballtrainerhandball coachnoun

Word lists with this word