Breakdown of Der Gegner erweist sich doch als unbesiegbar!
doch
after all / indeed (modal particle)
der Gegner
the opponent
unbesiegbar
invincible
sich erweisen als
to turn out to be
Questions & Answers about Der Gegner erweist sich doch als unbesiegbar!
Why is there no adjective ending on unbesiegbar?
When als is used with an adjective in this construction (sich erweisen als), the adjective acts as a predicate adjective. Just like with the verb sein (e.g., Der Gegner ist unbesiegbar), predicate adjectives do not take endings in German.
Why do we need the reflexive pronoun sich here?
The verb sich erweisen (to turn out to be or to prove to be) is always reflexive when used this way. Literally, it means the opponent proves himself as invincible. Without sich, the base verb erweisen means to show or grant (like granting a favor: einen Gefallen erweisen).
What exact flavor does the modal particle doch add to this sentence?
Here, doch means 'after all' or expresses a reality contrary to prior expectations. It implies that the speaker previously believed the opponent could be beaten, but the current situation is proving that expectation wrong.
How can I break down the word unbesiegbar to remember it?
It is built from the prefix un- (not), the verb besiegen (to defeat), and the suffix -bar (which works like the English suffix '-able'). Put them together, and you literally get 'un-defeat-able', meaning invincible.
Learn Der Gegner erweist sich doch als unbesiegbar and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free