German Conversation · Level 33
91 words
German word
kämpfen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈkɛmp͡fən/
Meaning
- verbfight
Example
Die Kinder kämpfen oft um das Spielzeug.
The children often fight over the toy.
More examples
Die Arbeiter kämpfen für bessere Löhne.
The workers are fighting for better wages.
Core concept
A person pushes against a rival or obstacle while working toward a goal.
Common phrases
kämpfen um etwas
fight over something
kämpfen für etwas
fight for something
kämpfen gegen etwas
fight against something
Similar words
streiten: To argue angrily with someone, often through a heated exchange.
bekämpfen: To attack and try to suppress an enemy, problem, or harmful force.
sich wehren: To resist an attack or unfair treatment in order to protect oneself.
Definition in German
Anstrengung zeigen, um ein Ziel zu erreichen oder sich gegen Hindernisse zu wehren; mit Einsatz gegen etwas kämpfen.
Word origin
Kämpfen is derived from the German noun Kampf with the regular verb ending -en; Kampf is recorded in Old High German and Middle High German.
Usage tips
- The prepositions commonly mark the relation: für and gegen take the accusative, while um also introduces the thing being contested.