das Gefecht
Translation
combat, battle, skirmish, engagement
Examples
Die Soldaten lieferten sich ein heftiges Gefecht.
The soldiers engaged in a fierce battle.
Das Gefecht dauerte die ganze Nacht.
The battle lasted all night.
Er wurde im Gefecht schwer verletzt.
He was severely wounded in combat.
Grammar Patterns
a battle with ((sb.)) to have a battle with (sb.) The troops engaged in a battle with the rebels.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Kampf, Schlacht, Auseinandersetzung; Antonyms: Frieden (peace), Waffenstillstand (ceasefire)
Etymology
From the verb 'fechten' (to fight). The prefix 'Ge-' often indicates a collective action or result.
Memory Tips
Think of the English word 'fight'. 'Gefecht' is related to 'fechten' (to fight). The 'Ge-' prefix bundles the action into a noun.