épée / old hand
Loading your saved state.
épée
A historical thrusting weapon with a long, narrow blade, which today is used mainly as one of the three weapons in sport fencing.
Im Finale des Fechtturniers trat sie mit dem Degen an.
In the final of the fencing tournament, she competed with the épée.
old hand
An outdated but respectful term for an experienced, long-serving man, often a soldier or civil servant.
Der alte Professor galt in seinem Fachbereich als ein wahrer Degen.
The old professor was considered a true old hand in his field.
Using "Degen" (old hand) for a person is outdated and is rarely used today. It expresses respect for a very experienced man, often with a slightly ironic or admiring undertone.
Der Chefarzt ist ein alter Degen, der schon alles gesehen hat.
The chief physician is an old hand who has seen everything.
In modern sport fencing, the épée is one of the three weapons or disciplines. Unlike the other weapons, every hit anywhere on the body counts here.
Sie hat bei den Olympischen Spielen die Goldmedaille im Degen gewonnen.
She won the gold medal in épée at the Olympic Games.
In the figurative meaning for a person, the phrase "ein Degen seines Fachs" (an old hand in his field) is often used. It expresses that someone is a recognized expert in their field.
Als Historiker war der Professor ein Degen seines Fachs.
As a historian, the professor was an old hand in his field.
sword
Das Schwert is the more general historical weapon with a long blade that can be used for cutting and thrusting. Der Degen more specifically refers to a thrusting weapon with a long, narrow blade. If the narrow shape is the decisive feature, Degen is the better choice.
Der Offizier trug einen Degen mit einer langen, schmalen Klinge.
The officer carried an épée with a long, narrow blade.
Der Ritter trug ein Schwert mit einer langen, kräftigen Klinge.
The knight carried a sword with a long, sturdy blade.
