01
bewaffnen
to arm
To equip someone with weapons.
example
Die Wachen des Palastes waren schwer bewaffnet.
The palace guards were heavily armed.
bewaffnen
to arm
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'bewaffnen' (to arm) is formed from the noun 'die Waffe' (weapon) with the prefix 'be-'. This prefix is often used to turn a noun into a verb meaning 'to provide with something'.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei bewaffnete sich für den Einsatz mit Schutzausrüstung.
The police armed themselves with protective equipment for the operation.
Use as an adjective
The past participle 'bewaffnet' (armed) is very often used like an adjective to describe a person or group carrying weapons. It can also be intensified, e.g. 'schwer bewaffnet' (heavily armed).
EXAMPLE
Ein bewaffneter Räuber überfiel die Bank.
An armed robber held up the bank.
Reflexive use
The verb is often used reflexively: 'sich bewaffnen' means that a person or group equips themselves with weapons. The reflexive pronoun is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Aus Angst vor Einbrechern hat er sich mit einem Baseballschläger bewaffnet.
Out of fear of burglars, he armed himself with a baseball bat.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, the verb always takes the preposition 'mit' (with) and a dative object. This object is usually something abstract like 'Geduld' (patience), 'Wissen' (knowledge), or 'Argumente' (arguments).
EXAMPLE
Für die Prüfung bewaffnete sie sich mit einer großen Kanne Kaffee und viel Geduld.
For the exam, she armed herself with a large pot of coffee and a lot of patience.
Compare with
bewaffnen vs ausstatten
to equip
'ausstatten' and 'bewaffnen' both mean that someone or something is provided with certain things. 'ausstatten' is more general: you can equip a room with furniture, a person with materials, or someone in a figurative sense with abilities. 'bewaffnen' is much more specific and actually refers to weapons. In a figurative sense, you can also arm yourself with patience, knowledge, or arguments. Learners may confuse the words because 'bewaffnen' can sometimes sound like 'equipping someone with something useful'. Even so, 'bewaffnen' only fits when weapons are meant or when you are deliberately using a strong image.
bewaffnen
Für die schwierige Diskussion hat sich Maria mit guten Argumenten bewaffnet.
For the difficult discussion, Maria armed herself with good arguments.
ausstatten
Die Schule stattet den neuen Computerraum mit modernen Geräten aus.
The school is equipping the new computer room with modern devices.
In real life
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