20+ German Football Terms You Need to Know

German football terms – German football, also known as association football, is one of the most popular sports in Germany and is enjoyed by millions of fans around the world. Like any sport, football has its own set of terms and terminology that are specific to the sport. Understanding these terms is essential for fans, coaches, players, and commentators who want to be able to fully appreciate the sport and understand the strategies, tactics, and skills that are involved.

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List of German football terms 

Here are some of the most common German football terms:

1. Abseits – this term means “offside” in English and is to describe when a player is in an advanced position and closer to the goal than the ball and the second-to-last defender.
2. Auswechslung – this term means “substitution” in English and describes when a player is taken off the field and replaced by another player.
3. Eckball – this term means “corner kick” in English and describes when a team is awarded a corner kick as a result of the ball going out of play after it has been touched last by the defending team.
4. Freistoß – this term means “free kick” in English and describes when a team is awarded a free kick as a result of a foul committed by the opposing team.
5. Handspiel – this term means “handball” in English and describes when a player handles the ball deliberately with their hand or arm.
6. Kopfball – this term means “header” in English and describes when a player uses their head to hit the ball.
7. Schuss – this term means “shot” in English and describes when a player attempts to score a goal by hitting the ball towards the goal.
8. Torschuss – this term means “goal shot” in English and describes when a player attempts to score a goal by hitting the ball towards the goal.
9. Verwarnung – this term means “warning” in English and describes when a player receives a yellow card as a form of punishment for a foul or misconduct.
10. Vorlage – this term means “assist” in English and describes when a player provides the final pass or action that leads to a goal.
11. Ausgleich – this term means “equalizer” in English and describes when a team scores a goal to level the score in a match.
12. Einwurf – this term means “throw-in” in English and describes when a player throws the ball back into play after it has gone out of bounds.
13. Elfmeter – this term means “penalty kick” in English and describes when a team receives a shot at goal from the penalty spot as a result of a foul committed within the penalty area.
14. Foul – this term means “foul” in English and describes when a player commits an infraction of the rules, such as pushing, tripping, or handling the ball.
15. Gelbe Karte – this term means “yellow card” in English football terms and describes when a player receives a warning for a foul or misconduct.
16. Rote Karte – this term means “red card” in English and describes when a player is sent off for a serious foul or misconduct.
17. Spielaufbau – this term means “build-up play” in English an describes the initial stages of a team’s attack, where they try to move the ball up the field and create scoring opportunities.
18. Spielfeldverkleinerung – this term means “compacting of the field” in English and describes when a team drops back and narrows the space between their players in order to defend against the opposing team’s attack.
19. Spielverlagerung – this term means “switching play” in English and describes when a team changes the point of attack by passing the ball from one side of the field to the other.
20. Torjäger – this term means “goalscorer” in English and describes a player who scores many goals in a season or during their career.

These are just some of the most common German football terms, and there are many more terms and expressions in the sport. By understanding these terms, fans, coaches, players, and commentators can have a better appreciation for the sport and be able to understand the strategies, tactics, and skills involved.

Who wants to learn German football terms? 

Firstly, they are football fans. Fans of German football leagues like Bundesliga who want to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the sport may choose to learn the German terms used in the game.

Secondly, they are German football players. Players who compete in German football leagues or who like playing in Germany may need to learn the German terms in order to communicate effectively with their teammates and coaches. As you know, not all players in German football leagues are 

Sports journalists: Sports journalists covering German football matches or reporting on German football clubs may need to be familiar with the German terms in order to accurately report on the sport.

German language learners: People who are learning the German language as a second language may choose to learn German football terms as part of their language study.

Travelers: Travelers visiting Germany who like experiencing the local culture may choose to learn some German football terms as a way of engaging with the local fans and understanding the sport’s popularity.

Read more: 

1. Spanish Football Terms
2. American Football Terms

7 tips to learn German football term fast 

German football, also known as “Fußball”, is a popular sport in Germany, with a rich history and culture. Learning the language and terminology used in the sport can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the game. Here are some tips to help you learn German football terms quickly:

Start with the basics

Learn the German words for common football terms such as “goal”, “corner kick”, “foul”, and “offside”. This will help you to understand the basic structure and rules of the game.

Watch German football matches

 Watching live matches or highlights will give you the opportunity to hear the terms in context, which can help you to understand and remember them better.

Use flashcards

 Create flashcards with German football terms on one side and their English translation on the other. Review the flashcards regularly to reinforce your learning.

Join a language exchange program

Find a native German speaker who like football, and practice your language skills by discussing the sport in German.

Read German football news

Reading German football news articles, match reports, and player interviews will give you exposure to a range of football terms, as well as help you to improve your German reading skills.

Follow German football clubs

Follow your favorite German football clubs on social media, or subscribe to their newsletters to stay up-to-date with the latest news and events.

Take a German language course

Consider enrolling in a German language course that focuses on football terminology. This will give you the opportunity to learn the terms in a structured and supportive environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, German football is an incredibly popular sport that millions of fans around the world enjoy. Understanding the specific terms and terminology used in the sport is essential for fans, coaches, players, and commentators who want to fully appreciate the sport and understand the strategies, tactics, and skills involved.