köpfen

to head (the ball)

verb KOEP-fen Rare

Also means

to behead

Usage Note

köpfen in sport means to direct the ball with one's head. Er köpfte das 2:1 is a natural sports headline. The same verb means to behead historically, so learners should note the context shift.

Examples

"Der Stürmer köpfte die Flanke unhaltbar ins Netz."

Natural Translation

The striker headed the cross unstoppably into the net.

Literal Translation

The striker headed the cross unstoppably into-the net.

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