German Soccer Vocabulary- Learn to Speak Fußball!

My earliest soccer memories are of my Opa watching his beloved Fußball on our black and white TV. Since this was California in the 1970’s, the program was in Spanish. This didn’t stop him, since he know the sport inside out. It did, however, inhibit my German Soccer Vocabulary. And when I got older, and produced a few soccer players myself, I realized that I had no idea what the word for goalkeeper (It’s der Torwart or der Torhütter ) or referee (it’s Schiedsrichter). It was time for me to learn them so I could use them properly.

Now I want to share some German Soccer Vocabulary words with you… so when you are watching that match in a German Bar or restaurant, (or with your Opa) you sound like a super fan!

German Soccer Vocabulary-

The most important word….. FUßBall!

In Germany, Soccer is called Fußball, or Football.
Why don’t Americans call it football? learn more about that here–> Why do Americans Call Fußball, Soccer?

Also…

Player- der Spieler
Match- das Spiel

The Pitch…. das Spielfeld

Playing Field or Pitch- das Spielfeld

Soccer Stadium- Fußballstadien

Center Circle- der Mittelkreis
Center Line- die Mittellinie
Corner Flag- die Eckfahne
Goal- das Tor
Goal Line- die Torlinie
Penalty Box- der Strafraum
Penalty Spot- der Strafstoßpunkt
Sideline or Touchline- die Seitenlinie

German Soccer Player Positions

Goalkeeper- der Torwart or der Torhüter
Sweeper- Libero
Fullback or Back- der Verteidiger
Midflielder- der Mittelfeldspieler
Forward or Striker- der Stürmer

inner and outer – innen und außen
left and right- links und rechts
So a Left Inner Back is a Linker Innenverteidiger

The Team- die Mannschaft

Starting Lineup- Spieleraufstellung

Opposing Team- gegnerische Mannschaft

The Referee Team

Center Referee- der Schiedsrichter
Assistant Referee- der Schiedsrichterassistent or Linienrichter
Fourth Official- das Spielleiter or vierter Offizieller

Timer- der Stoppuhr
Whistle- der Trillerpfeife
Flag- die Fahne

adidas Men’s Soccer Germany 2022 Home Jersey (Medium)adidas Men’s Soccer Germany 2022 Away Jersey (Small)

German Soccer Uniform Vocabulary

The Soccer Uniform or Kit- Fußball Uniform

Jersey- das Trikot
Shorts- die Fußball Shorts
Socks- die Socken
Cleats- die Stollenschuhe
Shin Guards- Schienbeinschoner

Goal Tender Gloves- Torwarthandschuhe

Important German Soccer Vocabulary for the Game

Kick off – Anstoß
Final Whistle- Abpfiff
Free Kick- Freistoß
Corner Kick- Eckstoß
Throw In- Einwurf

Referee calls

Off-Sides – Abseits
Foul- Faul
Ball is Out- Ball ist Aus
Handball- absichtliches Handspiel
Tripping- Beinstellen
Holding- Festhalten
Tackle- Grätschen
Dangerous Play- gefärliches Spiel
Tripping- Beinstellen