die Amazone
Amazon
A female warrior from a legendary people of women in Greek mythology.
EXAMPLE
In den alten Sagen kämpften die Amazonen oft gegen griechische Helden.
In the ancient legends, the Amazons often fought against Greek heroes.
die Amazone
Amazon
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Meanings
die Amazone
Amazon
A figurative term for a strong, self-confident, and combative woman.
EXAMPLE
Sie gilt in der Firma als wahre Amazone, die sich von niemandem etwas sagen lässt.
She is considered a true Amazon at the company, someone who lets no one tell her what to do.
die Amazone
horsewoman
A female rider, especially in the context of equestrian sports.
EXAMPLE
Bei dem Turnier gewann eine junge Amazone die Springprüfung.
At the tournament, a young horsewoman won the show jumping event.
Usage tips
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if it is about mythology, it refers to the female warrior. In equestrian sports, it means the female rider. In all other modern contexts, it is a figurative description of a strong woman.
EXAMPLE
Die junge Amazone gewann das Reitturnier souverän.
The young horsewoman won the riding tournament with confidence.
Cultural context
The original meaning comes from Greek mythology. Knowledge of this legendary people of female warriors is the basis for all the other, figurative meanings of the word.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch erzählt die Geschichte der Amazonen neu.
The book retells the story of the Amazons.
Figurative use
When a woman is called an 'Amazone' (Amazon), this emphasizes her strength, fighting spirit, and independence. The term is often used admiringly.
EXAMPLE
Die Politikerin gilt als Amazone, die sich in Debatten klar behauptet.
The politician is regarded as an Amazon who clearly holds her own in debates.
Register
In the meaning of 'Reiterin' (female rider), 'Amazone' (horsewoman) is a somewhat elevated term used mainly in the language of equestrian sports and in reports about riding tournaments.
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende treten die besten Amazonen des Landes gegeneinander an.
At the weekend, the country's best horsewomen will compete against each other.
Compare with
Amazone vs Kämpferin
female fighter
Kämpferin is the neutral, broad term for a woman who actually takes part in a fight. Amazone can figuratively describe a strong, self-confident, and combative woman, which makes it more marked. In a factual report about an armed conflict, Kämpferin is more appropriate.
Amazone
Im Roman erscheint die mutige Soldatin als stolze Amazone.
In the novel, the brave soldier appears as a proud Amazon.
Kämpferin
Im Bericht wird die mutige Soldatin als erfahrene Kämpferin bezeichnet.
The report describes the brave soldier as an experienced female fighter.
In real life
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