German word

Wettbewerb

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɛtˌbəvɛʁp/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncompetition

Example

In dieser Stadt gibt es viele Wettbewerbe.

There are many competitions in this city.

Illustration for Wettbewerb (competition)

More examples

Sie nimmt an einem Wettbewerb teil.

She is taking part in a competition.

Core concept

Several entrants face the same challenge, while an organized comparison determines who ranks highest or earns an award.

Common phrases

  • an einem Wettbewerb teilnehmen

    take part in a competition

  • einen Wettbewerb gewinnen

    win a competition

  • einen Wettbewerb verlieren

    lose a competition

Similar words

Wettkampf: A sporting contest directly pits competitors against each other in skill and strength.
Konkurrenz: Rivalry between businesses or groups competing for an advantage in one field.
Turnier: A series of matches determines the winner through a tournament format.
Meisterschaft: A sporting event or season determines its champion in a particular discipline.

Definition in German

Organisierte Veranstaltung, bei der Teilnehmende in einem Vergleich um Preise, Auszeichnungen oder Platzierungen konkurrieren.

Word origin

The noun is a compound of Wett- and Bewerb; Bewerb comes from bewerben, whose older sense involved striving for or seeking something.

Usage tips

  • German uses Wettbewerb broadly for academic, artistic, business, and sporting contests, while Wettkampf more specifically highlights a direct athletic or competitive struggle.

Other meanings

  • tournamentnoun
  • contestnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Wettbewerbercompetitornoun
  • Wettbewerbsteilnehmercompetition participantnoun

Word lists with this word