German word

Leichtathletik

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlaɪ̯çtatleˌtiːk/

Meaning

  • feminine nounathletics

Example

Die Schule fördert die Leichtathletik.

The school promotes athletics.

Illustration for Leichtathletik (athletics)

More examples

Ich mache seit einem Jahr Leichtathletik.

I have been doing athletics for a year.

Core concept

One track-and-field program brings together races, jumps, and throws, with performance measured by time, height, or distance.

Common phrases

  • Leichtathletik machen

    do athletics

  • zum Leichtathletik-Training gehen

    go to athletics training

  • Interesse an Leichtathletik

    interest in athletics

Similar words

Sport: Physical activity done for enjoyment, fitness, or competition.
Sportart: A specific sport or event, such as football or the 100 metres.
Disziplin: An individual event in a sport, such as the high jump or shot put.
Wettkampf: A contest where athletes or teams compete for rankings or records.

Definition in German

Leichtathletik bezeichnet die auf Bahn oder im Stadion ausgetragenen Lauf-, Sprung- und Wurfdisziplinen.

Word origin

The German term combines leicht with Athletik and originally contrasted these disciplines with heavier strength-based athletic activities.

Usage tips

  • English athletics can mean sport in general in British usage, while American English usually calls this sport track and field.

Related words

  • Leichtathletikertrack-and-field athletenoun
  • leichtathletischtrack-and-fieldadjective
  • Leichtathletiktrainertrack-and-field coachnoun

Word lists with this word