shotgun
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shotgun
A long gun with a smooth barrel, typically used for hunting birds or small game and firing shot ammunition.
Der Jäger legte die Flinte an, um auf die Fasane zu zielen.
The hunter raised the shotgun to aim at the pheasants.
The meaning depends heavily on the context. The fixed expression 'ins Korn werfen' (to throw into the grain) always signals the figurative meaning 'aufgeben' (to give up). In other contexts, especially with verbs like 'jagen' (to hunt), 'schießen' (to shoot), or 'tragen' (to carry), it refers to the weapon.
Nach dem dritten Fehlversuch wollte er die Flinte ins Korn werfen.
After the third failed attempt, he wanted to throw in the towel.
When 'Flinte' (shotgun) refers to the weapon, it is often used with verbs like 'laden' (to load), 'schultern' (to shoulder/carry on the shoulder), or 'anlegen' (to raise into position for aiming).
Bevor er in den Wald ging, lud der Jäger seine Flinte.
Before he went into the forest, the hunter loaded his shotgun.
The idiom 'die Flinte ins Korn werfen' (to throw in the towel) is a fixed unit. The verb is 'werfen' (to throw), and 'die Flinte' (the shotgun) is always the accusative object in it.
Gib nicht sofort die Flinte ins Korn, nur weil es einmal nicht geklappt hat!
Don't throw in the towel right away just because it didn't work out once!
rifle
'das Gewehr' and 'die Flinte' both refer to long firearms. 'Gewehr' is the more general term and can mean different types of such weapons. 'Flinte' is more specific: it has a smooth barrel and is often used for hunting birds or small game, usually with shot. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Flinte' often looks like a 'Gewehr' in everyday contexts. If you do not mean the exact type of weapon, 'Gewehr' fits better. 'Flinte' is more precise when referring to this particular hunting weapon.
Zur Jagd auf Enten nahm der Jäger seine Flinte mit.
The hunter took his shotgun with him to hunt ducks.
Bei der Ausbildung lernte er, ein Gewehr richtig zu halten.
During training, he learned how to hold a rifle properly.