German word

Unterzahl

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊntɐˌtsaːl/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbeing a player down

Example

Nach der roten Karte war die Unterzahl deutlich spürbar.

After the red card, being a player down was clearly noticeable.

Illustration for Unterzahl (being a player down)

More examples

Bei der Abstimmung waren die Abgeordneten in Unterzahl.

The members of parliament were at a numerical disadvantage during the vote.

Core concept

A team keeps playing after one of its players leaves, leaving fewer bodies on the field than the opponent.

Common phrases

  • in Unterzahl sein

    be at a numerical disadvantage

  • mit Unterzahl spielen

    play at a numerical disadvantage

  • trotz Unterzahl bestehen

    stand firm despite being at a numerical disadvantage

Similar words

Überzahl: Having more players on the field than the opposing team.
Spielermangel: A lack of players or other personnel in a team or organization.
Spielerzahl: The number of players in a team or taking part in a match.

Definition in German

Zustand des zahlenmäßigen Nachteils einer Seite, besonders gebräuchlich im Sport, wenn eine Mannschaft mit weniger Spielern weiterspielt.

Word origin

Unterzahl is a compound of unter, meaning 'below' or 'under', and Zahl, meaning 'number', and it denotes being below the opponent in player count.

Usage tips

  • The standard sports phrases are 'in Unterzahl spielen' and 'in Unterzahl sein', both meaning that a team is playing with fewer players.

Opposites

Related words

  • unterzählignumerically inferioradjective
  • Unterzähligkeitnumerical inferioritynoun

Word lists with this word