das Gewehr
rifle
A long firearm that is fired from the shoulder and is typically used for hunting or by the military.
EXAMPLE
Der Jäger legte mit dem Gewehr auf den Hirsch an.
The hunter aimed the rifle at the deer.
das Gewehr
rifle
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Meanings
bei Fuß Gewehr stehen
to stand ready
In a figurative sense, this means to be ready and waiting for orders, often in a submissive or strictly hierarchical context.
EXAMPLE
Bei der dominanten Chefin mussten alle Mitarbeiter praktisch bei Fuß Gewehr stehen.
With the dominant boss, all the employees practically had to stand ready and wait for orders.
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Gewehr' (rifle) is related to the verb 'sich wehren' (to defend oneself). Originally, it referred generally to equipment for defense ('Wehr'), but today it specifically means the firearm.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten lernten, sich mit dem Gewehr zu verteidigen.
The soldiers learned to defend themselves with the rifle.
Typical verbs
Typical verbs used with 'Gewehr' (rifle) describe how it is handled: 'das Gewehr laden' (to load the rifle), 'das Gewehr schultern' (to shoulder the rifle), 'mit dem Gewehr zielen' (to aim with the rifle), or 'ein Gewehr abfeuern' (to fire a rifle).
EXAMPLE
Der Schütze zielte lange mit dem Gewehr, bevor er schoss.
The marksman aimed with the rifle for a long time before he shot.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'bei Fuß Gewehr stehen' is almost only used figuratively. It describes a situation in which someone is absolutely obedient and ready at any time out of fear of or respect for a person in authority.
EXAMPLE
Wenn der General den Raum betrat, standen alle Soldaten sofort bei Fuß Gewehr.
When the general entered the room, all the soldiers immediately stood ready and waited for orders.
Compare with
Gewehr vs Büchse
can / rifle
Gewehr is the general term for a long firearm fired from the shoulder. Büchse is a more precise technical and hunting term for such a gun with a rifled barrel. Without a technical distinction, Gewehr is appropriate; for this specific type of barrel, Büchse is the right term.
Gewehr
Der Jäger trägt ein Gewehr über der Schulter.
The hunter carries a rifle over his shoulder.
Büchse
Der Jäger trägt eine Büchse mit gezogenem Lauf über der Schulter.
The hunter carries a rifle with a rifled barrel over his shoulder.
In real life
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