harpoon
die Harpune, die Harpunen
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harpoon
A long weapon with a pointed tip, usually fitted with barbs, that is attached to a line and used mainly to catch large fish or other sea animals.
Der Fischer warf die Harpune nach dem großen Thunfisch.
The fisherman threw the harpoon at the large tuna.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Harpunen |
| genitive | der Harpune |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Harpune | die Harpunen |
| accusative | die Harpune | die Harpunen |
| dative | der Harpune | den Harpunen |
| genitive | der Harpune | der Harpunen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
When a harpoon is used as a tool or weapon, it is often used with „mit“ plus the dative. Typical patterns are „mit einer Harpune jagen“ (to hunt with a harpoon) and „mit einer Harpune fangen“ (to catch with a harpoon).
Sie versuchten, den Fisch mit einer Harpune zu fangen.
They tried to catch the fish with a harpoon.
Typical collocations are „eine Harpune werfen“ (to throw a harpoon) and „eine Harpune abschießen“ (to fire a harpoon). The verb shows whether the harpoon is thrown by hand or fired with a device.
Vom Bug des Schiffes aus warf der Matrose die Harpune auf den Wal.
From the bow of the ship, the sailor threw the harpoon at the whale.
Der Taucher schoss die Harpune mit einem speziellen Gerät ab.
The diver fired the harpoon with a special device.
The phrase „eine Harpune auf jemanden oder etwas richten“ (to aim a harpoon at someone or something) specifies the target. In this pattern, „auf“ is followed by the accusative.
Der Taucher richtete seine Harpune auf einen großen Fisch.
The diver aimed his harpoon at a large fish.
