chemical weapon
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chemical weapon
A weapon whose effect is based on the toxic properties of chemical substances intended to kill, injure, or incapacitate people.
Der Einsatz von Chemiewaffen ist durch internationale Konventionen verboten.
The use of chemical weapons is prohibited by international conventions.
The word is made up of 'die Chemie' (chemistry) and 'die Waffe' (weapon). So it literally describes a weapon that is based on a chemical effect.
Die Herstellung von Chemiewaffen erfordert spezielles Wissen.
The production of chemical weapons requires specialized knowledge.
Certain verbs are often used in connection with 'Chemiewaffe' (chemical weapon): 'Chemiewaffen einsetzen' (to use chemical weapons), 'besitzen' (to possess), 'herstellen' (to produce), or 'verbieten' (to ban).
Viele Länder haben sich verpflichtet, keine Chemiewaffen zu besitzen.
Many countries have committed themselves to not possessing chemical weapons.
The base word '-waffe' (-weapon) is part of many other terms. If you recognize this pattern, you can also more easily understand words like 'Atomwaffe' (nuclear weapon) or 'Biowaffe' (biological weapon).
Die Zerstörungskraft einer Atomwaffe ist unvorstellbar.
The destructive power of a nuclear weapon is unimaginable.
nuclear weapon
'Atomwaffe' and 'Chemiewaffe' are both very dangerous weapons and often appear in political or military texts. The important difference lies in how they have their effect: a nuclear weapon destroys through energy from nuclear fission or nuclear fusion. A chemical weapon affects people through toxic chemical substances. Learners may confuse the words because both belong to banned or especially serious types of weapons. A practical way to remember it: 'Atom-' has to do with nuclear energy, while 'Chemie-' has to do with toxic substances.
Die Experten fanden Hinweise auf den Einsatz einer Chemiewaffe.
The experts found evidence of the use of a chemical weapon.
In den Nachrichten wurde über die Gefahr einer Atomwaffe gesprochen.
The news talked about the danger of a nuclear weapon.