Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Angriff | /ˈanˌɡʁɪf/ | masculine |
| Attacke | /aˈtakə/ | feminine |
The noun refers to an attempt to cause damage, injury or death. For the verb form, you can use angreifen or attackieren to mean attacking with violent force or aggressively challenging someone with words. Specifically, angreifen can be used for physical combat or even for the act of starting a new business or competitive endeavor.
Which one should you use?
Angriff is the standard term for a physical, military or strategic attack. In contrast, Attacke is a feminine noun typically used to describe a verbal or rhetorical attack, such as an insult or a criticism. For a more specific type of attack, such as a premeditated strike or a terrorist attack, use the noun Anschlag.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb angreifen is a separable verb, which means the prefix an- moves to the end of the sentence in many simple tenses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈanˌɡʁɪf/
Did you know?
- The verb angreifen can describe the act of tasting a piece of cake or starting a meal, similar to the English phrase 'dig in'.
- The word Anschlag is used for a terrorist attack, but it also means 'estimate' or 'quote' in a construction or business context.
- In German medical terminology, a sudden heart attack is called a Herzinfarkt, rather than using the general word Angriff or Attacke.
Examples in context
- Tom führte den Angriff an.Tom led the attack.This sentence shows how to use Angriff as the object of a sentence.Tatoeba #4536272 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4530146 by CK
- Alle rechneten mit einem Angriff.Everyone expected an attack.This sentence demonstrates the use of Angriff following a preposition.Tatoeba #12572243 by Waldelfe, translation #9833957 by CK
- Der erste Angriff verfehlte das Ziel.The first attack missed the target.This sentence shows how to use Angriff as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #691481 by samueldora, translation #244025 by CK
- Die Entscheidungsträger beschlossen, einen Angriff auf die gegnerische Armee vorzubereiten.The decision-makers decided to prepare an attack on the opposing army.
- Der Boxer startete eine mächtige Attacke, um seinen Gegner zu besiegen.The boxer launched a powerful attack to defeat his opponent.
- Der Dieb verübte einen nächtlichen Überfall auf die Bank.The thief carried out a nighttime attack on the bank.
- Mein Bruder hat mich mit einer Wasserpistole angegriffen und nass gespritzt.My brother attacked me with a water gun and splashed me wet.
- Sie hat angefangen, ihn verbal zu attackieren, nachdem er ihr Auto angefahren hatte.She started verbally attacking him after he hit her car.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are discussing a news report about a conflict.
- LukasHast du den Angriff in den Nachrichten gesehen?Did you see the attack in the news?
- HannahJa, der Angriff war wirklich schrecklich.Yes, the attack was truly terrible.
- LukasIch hoffe, es gibt bald Frieden.I hope there is peace soon.
- HannahDas hoffe ich auch, Lukas.I hope so too, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attack” translations and entries Angriff, Attacke, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
