épée / old hand
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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.
Using "Degen" (old hand) for a person is outdated and is rarely used today.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' and 'der Degen' are both long weapons with a blade. 'Schwert' is the more general term for a historical cutting and thrusting weapon. A 'Degen' is more specific: it has a long, narrow blade and is especially associated with fencing. Learners may confuse the words because both can look similar in old stories or in sport. If you are speaking generally about an old weapon, 'Schwert' often fits. In fencing or for a narrow thrusting weapon, 'Degen' is more precise.
Beim Training lernt Sofia, den Degen ruhig und genau zu führen.
During training, Sofia learns to handle the épée calmly and precisely.
Der Ritter zog sein Schwert, als er das Tor bewachen sollte.
The knight drew his sword when he was supposed to guard the gate.