Noun
die Unterzahl
being outnumbered (in der Unterzahl sein – to be outnumbered)
C2
rank #10,464
Meanings
Noun
- being outnumbered (in der Unterzahl sein – to be outnumbered)
- (sports) being a player short (in Unterzahl spielen)
Example sentence
Die Verteidiger waren klar in der Unterzahl.
The defenders were clearly outnumbered.
Word forms
singular
die Unterzahl
No common plural.
The four cases
Singular
Nominativedie Unterzahl
Accusativedie Unterzahl
Dativeder Unterzahl
Genitiveder Unterzahl
Unterzahl has no common plural.
Usage
- in der Unterzahl sein — to be outnumbered; fewer people than the other side
- in Unterzahl spielen — to play with fewer players than the opposing team; a sporting expression
Obwohl sie in der Unterzahl waren, hielten die Spieler lange dagegen.
Although they were outnumbered, the players resisted for a long time.