Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
battle of Sempach

battle of Sempach

9.9
A 1386 battle in which Swiss forces beat the Hapsburgs and won their independence
  • noun
: batalla de Sempach
  • The battle of Sempach marked a turning point in Swiss history.

Examples

  • Many historians regard the battle of Sempach as crucial in ending Hapsburg rule over Switzerland.

  • Commemorations of the battle of Sempach are still held annually in the region.

  • The battle of Sempach was a turning point in Swiss history.

  • Many historians study the battle of Sempach for its significance.

  • Many historians regard the battle of Sempach as crucial in ending Hapsburg rule over Switzerland.

  • The battle of Sempach marked a turning point in Swiss history.

  • Commemorations of the battle of Sempach are still held annually in the region.

Synonyms

Sempach
vsbattle of Sempach
9.8

A Swiss town famous for a 1386 battle that helped Swiss independence

is the decisive 1386 event that secured independence rather than the location

Surface Forms

battle of Sempach singular
battles of Sempach plural

Morphology

battle + of + Sempach

The phrase 'battle of Sempach' is compositionally transparent: combining 'battle' with the prepositional/of construction and a place-name clearly denotes a military engagement that took place at Sempach. A B1 learner who knows the constituents will understand it refers to a battle at that town (though they would not infer the date or historical significance without background knowledge).

Etymology

The battle of Sempach takes its name from the village of Sempach, where in 1386 Swiss soldiers beat the Hapsburgs. Because this victory helped the Swiss gain 'independence', the name is remembered as an important turning point in Swiss history.