In German

gegen

Meaning: against; versus

Example sentences

  • DasAutofährtgegendenBaum.

    The car crashes into the tree.

  • WirspielengegendieandereMannschaft.

    We're playing against the other team.

  • IchhabenichtsgegendenPlan.

    I have nothing against the plan.

Grammar note

“Gegen” always takes Akkusativ. It covers physical collision (“gegen den Baum fahren”), sports opposition (“gegen die Mannschaft spielen”), and disagreement (“gegen den Plan sein”).

Common mistake

Don't confuse “gegen” (against, versus) with “für” (for) — they're opposites but both always take Akkusativ, so only the meaning, not the grammar, tells them apart.

Quick check

Which preposition means “against” and always takes Akkusativ?

More words on this topic

fürfordurchthroughohnewithout

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Frequently asked questions

Can “gegen” mean approximately, as in time?

Yes, colloquially: “gegen acht Uhr” can mean “around eight o'clock”.

What's the opposite of “gegen”?

“Für” (for).