ringen
Translation
to wrestle, to struggle, to strive, to wring
Examples
Die beiden Athleten ringen miteinander.
The two athletes are wrestling with each other.
Er musste um seine Anerkennung ringen.
He had to struggle for his recognition.
Sie rang nach Luft.
She was gasping for air.
Grammar Patterns
((mit+3)) to wrestle with (sb./sth.) The police officer wrestled with the thief.
((um+4)) to struggle for (sth.) They are struggling for the truth.
((nach+3)) to gasp for (sth.) He was struggling for words.
Similar Words
Synonyms: kämpfen, streben
Etymology
From Old High German 'ringan' (to struggle, twist). Related to 'Ring' (ring, circle), possibly from the circular movements in wrestling.
Memory Tips
Think of wrestlers in a 'ring'. They 'ringen'. It's also related to the English 'to wring' (e.g., wring one's hands).