German word

gegeneinander

Pronunciation

IPA/ˌgeːgn̩aɪ̯ˈnandɐ/

Meaning

  • adverbagainst each other

Example

Im Finale spielten zwei Mannschaften gegeneinander.

In the final, two teams played against each other.

Illustration for gegeneinander (against each other)

More examples

In der Firma arbeiten die Abteilungen manchmal gegeneinander.

At the company, the departments sometimes work against one another.

Core concept

Two sides face one another across a shared contest or conflict, with each opposing the other.

Common phrases

  • gegeneinander antreten

    go up against each other

  • gegeneinander konkurrieren

    compete with each other

Similar words

gegenseitig: Mutually affecting or influencing one another.
einander: With actions directed toward one another.
miteinander: Jointly taking part in the same activity.

Definition in German

Auf die Weise, dass zwei Parteien einander entgegentreten und in Wettbewerb oder Konflikt zueinander stehen.

Word origin

Gegeneinander combines gegen, expressing opposition, with einander, the reciprocal pronoun meaning 'each other'.

Usage tips

  • Gegeneinander marks mutual opposition, whereas miteinander marks joint action by the same participants.

Opposites

Related words

  • Gegeneinanderantagonismnoun

Word lists with this word