poison gas
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poison gas
A gas or gaseous substance that is highly poisonous and specifically developed to kill or seriously injure people or animals. It is mainly used as a chemical weapon in war or terrorist attacks.
Im Ersten Weltkrieg wurde erstmals in großem Umfang Giftgas als Waffe eingesetzt.
In the First World War, poison gas was used as a weapon on a large scale for the first time.
The word is made up of 'das Gift' (poison) and 'das Gas' (gas). 'Gift' in German means 'poison', so the word literally describes a 'poison gas'.
Die Herstellung von Giftgas ist international verboten.
The production of poison gas is internationally banned.
Careful: the component 'Gift' means 'poison' in German. It is a well-known false friend because it looks like the English word 'gift' (present).
Der Soldat trug eine Maske zum Schutz vor dem Giftgas.
The soldier wore a mask to protect himself from the poison gas.
In the context of war or chemistry, 'Giftgas' (poison gas) is often combined with the verbs 'einsetzen' (to deploy/use), 'verwenden' (to use), 'herstellen' (to manufacture), or 'produzieren' (to produce).
Es ist ein Kriegsverbrechen, Giftgas einzusetzen.
It is a war crime to use poison gas.
gas
'Gas' and 'Giftgas' both refer to gaseous substances. 'Gas' is the general word and can be neutral, for example in heating or chemistry. But it can also be harmful. 'Giftgas' is much more specific: it is highly poisonous and is especially associated with chemical weapons or serious attacks. The words can be confusing because every poison gas is a gas. But not every gas is poison gas. If only the state of matter or a fuel is meant, you say 'Gas'. If the deadly or very dangerous effect is the main focus, you say 'Giftgas'.
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprechen wir über den Einsatz von Giftgas im Krieg.
In history class, we are talking about the use of poison gas in war.
Die Kundin fragt, ob der neue Herd mit Gas funktioniert.
The customer asks whether the new stove runs on gas.