bewaffnet
armed
Carrying one or more weapons.
EXAMPLE
Der Bankräuber war maskiert und bewaffnet.
The bank robber was masked and armed.
bewaffnet
armed
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Meanings
bewaffnet
armed / equipped
In a figurative sense: equipped or provided with something in order to handle a task.
EXAMPLE
Bewaffnet mit einer Kamera und einem Notizblock machte sich der Reporter auf den Weg.
Armed with a camera and a notepad, the reporter set off.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Bewaffnet' (armed) is the past participle of the verb 'bewaffnen' (to arm). This derives from the noun 'die Waffe' (weapon). The prefix 'be-' here has the function of equipping someone with something.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei war schwer bewaffnet.
The police were heavily armed.
Sentence structure with 'mit'
The adjective 'bewaffnet' (armed) is almost always used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative to indicate what someone is equipped with. This applies to both the literal and the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Täter war mit einem Messer bewaffnet.
The perpetrator was armed with a knife.
Context clue
Whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended can be recognized from the noun after 'mit' (with). If it is a weapon (pistol, knife), the meaning is literal. With other things (camera, patience, knowledge), it is figurative.
EXAMPLE
Die Wanderer waren mit Karte und Kompass bewaffnet.
The hikers were armed with a map and compass.
Compare with
bewaffnet vs gerüstet
prepared / armed
Both words can, figuratively, express that someone has what is needed for a task. bewaffnet presents this equipment in a figurative and often combative way, while gerüstet neutrally emphasizes preparation and appropriate equipment. Use bewaffnet for a strong image and gerüstet for a matter-of-fact statement.
bewaffnet
Mit guten Argumenten bewaffnet ging sie in die schwierige Diskussion.
Armed with good arguments, she entered the difficult discussion.
gerüstet
Mit guten Argumenten war sie für die schwierige Diskussion gut gerüstet.
She was well prepared for the difficult discussion, with good arguments at her disposal.
In real life
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