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kriegerisch
warlike
Related to war, inclined toward war, or ready for war.
example
Die kriegerischen Auseinandersetzungen zwischen den beiden Ländern dauerten Jahre.
The warlike conflicts between the two countries lasted for years.
kriegerisch
warlike
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'kriegerisch' (warlike) is derived directly from the noun 'der Krieg' (war). It describes things or people that have to do with war or behave as if in a war.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte des Landes ist von kriegerischen Epochen geprägt.
The country's history is shaped by warlike eras.
Context clue
You can distinguish between the literal and the figurative meaning. If 'kriegerisch' (warlike) refers to conflicts between states or peoples, it is meant literally. If it describes a person or a discussion, it should be understood figuratively as 'aggressive' or 'argumentative'.
EXAMPLE
Die kriegerische Rhetorik des Politikers sorgte für Unruhe.
The politician's warlike rhetoric caused unrest.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'belonging to war', 'kriegerisch' (warlike) often appears with nouns such as 'Auseinandersetzung' (conflict), 'Konflikt' (conflict), 'Akt' (act), or 'Handlung' (action).
EXAMPLE
Die Invasion wurde als kriegerischer Akt verurteilt.
The invasion was condemned as a warlike act.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning 'argumentative', 'kriegerisch' (aggressive) often describes a person or their behavior. Typical combinations are 'eine kriegerische Natur haben' (to have a warlike nature), 'ein kriegerischer Ton' (an aggressive tone), or 'eine kriegerische Art' (an aggressive manner).
EXAMPLE
Sein kriegerischer Ton in der Debatte war völlig unangebracht.
His aggressive tone in the debate was completely inappropriate.
Compare with
kriegerisch vs militärisch
military
'militärisch' and 'kriegerisch' can both have to do with war, but they emphasize different things. 'militärisch' describes something that belongs to the army or the military, for example an exercise, a vehicle, or a decision. 'kriegerisch' more often describes an attitude or behavior that is directed toward fighting, attack, or conflict. The words can be confused because the military and war often occur together. In practice: 'militärisch' is more about the field or area, while 'kriegerisch' is about the aggressive direction or mood.
kriegerisch
Wegen des Streits klang seine Rede plötzlich sehr kriegerisch.
Because of the dispute, his speech suddenly sounded very aggressive.
militärisch
Die Brücke hatte eine wichtige militärische Bedeutung.
The bridge had important military significance.
In real life
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