01
der Krieg
war
An armed conflict between two or more states, peoples, or organized groups.
example
Der Zweite Weltkrieg dauerte von 1939 bis 1945.
The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945.
der Krieg
war
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound formation
'Krieg' (war) is a common component of compound words used to specify the type of conflict. Examples include 'Bürgerkrieg' (civil war, within a country) or 'Weltkrieg' (world war, between many countries).
EXAMPLE
Der amerikanische Bürgerkrieg fand im 19. Jahrhundert statt.
The American Civil War took place in the 19th century.
Important prepositions
A distinction is made between 'im Krieg' (in the war; a state) and 'in den Krieg' (into the war; movement). The first form describes being in a state of war, while the second describes beginning participation.
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater hat im Krieg gekämpft.
My grandfather fought in the war.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Krieg' (war) are 'Krieg führen' (to wage war), 'einen Krieg erklären' (to declare war), and 'einen Krieg gewinnen oder verlieren' (to win or lose a war).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Länder führten jahrelang Krieg gegeneinander.
The two countries waged war against each other for years.
Sentence structure in figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, the structure 'der Krieg gegen + accusative' (the war against + accusative) is often used. It describes an intense fight against an abstract problem.
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation führt einen Krieg gegen die Armut in der Welt.
The organization is waging a war against poverty in the world.
Colloquial use
When 'Krieg' (war) means a personal dispute, the phrase 'Krieg mit jemandem haben' (to be at war with someone) or 'Krieg führen mit' (to wage war with) is often used. This is very informal.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ständig Krieg mit meinen Nachbarn wegen der lauten Musik.
I'm constantly at war with my neighbors because of the loud music.
Compare with
Krieg vs Kampf
fight / struggle
'der Krieg' and 'der Kampf' can both mean a serious confrontation. 'Krieg' is usually larger and longer, and often involves states, peoples, or organized groups. It can also be used figuratively for a very strong and lasting hostility. 'Kampf' can be a single physical fight, a contest, or a personal struggle against a problem. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with opponents and resistance. As a guide: a war often consists of many fights or battles, but not every Kampf is a Krieg.
Krieg
Der Krieg dauerte mehrere Jahre und veränderte das ganze Land.
The war lasted several years and changed the whole country.
Kampf
Nach der Krankheit begann für Lisa ein langer Kampf zurück in den Alltag.
After the illness, Lisa began a long struggle to return to everyday life.
In real life
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