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
der Krieg
war
In a figurative sense, an intense, ongoing fight or struggle against something negative.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung hat den Drogenkartellen den Krieg erklärt.
The government has declared war on the drug cartels.
der Krieg
war
Colloquially, a fierce, long-lasting dispute or hostility between people.
EXAMPLE
Zwischen den beiden Nachbarn herrscht wegen des Zauns schon seit Jahren Krieg.
There has been a war between the two neighbors over the fence for years.
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
Krieg and Kampf can both refer to an intensive, long-lasting effort against a major problem. Krieg sounds stronger and presents the approach figuratively as a military confrontation. Kampf is less emphatic and also fits ordinary, intensive efforts against a problem.
Krieg
Die Regierung erklärt den Drogenbanden mit einer großen Militäroperation den Krieg.
The government declares war on the drug gangs with a major military operation.
Kampf
Die Regierung verstärkt mit neuen Beratungsstellen den Kampf gegen die Drogensucht.
The government is stepping up the fight against drug addiction by opening new counseling centers.
In real life
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