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
kriegerisch
aggressive
Describes a person or their behavior as aggressive, argumentative, and confrontational.
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine sehr kriegerische Art, seine Meinung in Diskussionen zu vertreten.
He has a very aggressive way of expressing his opinion in discussions.
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 factually assigns an action to the military or the army. Kriegerisch, by contrast, emphasizes that something has the character of war or is directed toward war. A military action therefore does not necessarily have to seem warlike.
kriegerisch
Die Soldaten bereiteten sich mit kriegerischen Handlungen auf einen Angriff vor.
The soldiers prepared for an attack through warlike actions.
militärisch
Die Soldaten führten eine militärische Übung ohne scharfe Waffen durch.
The soldiers conducted a military exercise without live ammunition.
In real life
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