verb
to fight
B1
kämpfen means to fight (physically), to struggle or to battle. It's a regular weak verb, non-reflexive and not separable. Perfect: 'gekämpft' and it uses auxiliary haben. Typical collocations: kämpfen für/gegen/um. Present: ich kämpfe. Common in literal and figurative contexts. Imperative forms include 'kämpf!' and 'kämpft!'.
Examples
Ich kämpfe für meine Rechte.
I fight for my rights.
Ich habe für meine Überzeugungen gekämpft.
I have fought for my convictions.
Er kämpfte tapfer.
He fought bravely.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture two people in a ring (boxing) with the label 'kämpfen' above them
Sounds a bit like 'camp' + 'fen' — imagine fighters at a camp
Notes
kämpfen is a regular (weak) verb meaning to fight or struggle; it is often used both literally (combat, sports) and figuratively (to struggle for a cause). Reflexive/intransitive verb — passive forms (Vorgangspassiv) are not applicable because the verb is intransitive.