01
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
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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 Waffe
weapon
'die Waffe' and 'das Gewehr' are closely related, but they differ in how specific they are. 'Waffe' is the general umbrella term for objects used in combat, in hunting, or for threatening someone. 'Gewehr' is a specific weapon: a long firearm that is usually held against the shoulder. Learners may confuse the words because a rifle is always a weapon. But 'Waffe' can also mean many other things, such as a pistol or a knife. If you do not want to name the exact type, use 'Waffe'. If you mean the long firearm, use 'Gewehr'.
Gewehr
Der Jäger trägt sein Gewehr sicher über der Schulter.
The hunter carries his rifle safely over his shoulder.
Waffe
Am Bahnhof meldete ein Zeuge, dass jemand eine Waffe gesehen hatte.
At the train station, a witness reported that someone had seen a weapon.
In real life
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