declaration of war
die Kriegserklärung, die Kriegserklärungen
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declaration of war
The formal notification under international law from one state to another that the two are now in a state of war.
Die Kriegserklärung wurde dem Botschafter am frühen Morgen überreicht.
The declaration of war was handed to the ambassador early in the morning.
declaration of war
In a figurative sense, an action or statement that is understood as the beginning of a serious confrontation or a hostile conflict.
Seine Entscheidung, das Projekt ohne Absprache zu stoppen, kam für das Team einer Kriegserklärung gleich.
His decision to stop the project without consultation amounted to a declaration of war for the team.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kriegserklärungen |
| genitive | der Kriegserklärung |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Kriegserklärung | die Kriegserklärungen |
| accusative | die Kriegserklärung | die Kriegserklärungen |
| dative | der Kriegserklärung | den Kriegserklärungen |
| genitive | der Kriegserklärung | der Kriegserklärungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is composed of 'der Krieg' (war) and 'die Erklärung' (declaration/explanation). The 's' in between is a linking element. Literally, then, it is the declaration that a war is beginning.
Die Bevölkerung war schockiert über die plötzliche Kriegserklärung.
The population was shocked by the sudden declaration of war.
In the literal, political sense, 'Kriegserklärung' (declaration of war) is often used with verbs such as 'überreichen' (to hand over/present), 'abgeben' (to issue/submit), or 'erhalten' (to receive). The declaration is always directed 'an' (to) another state.
Der Diplomat musste die Kriegserklärung an die gegnerische Regierung überreichen.
The diplomat had to hand the declaration of war to the opposing government.
In the figurative sense, the formulation 'einer Kriegserklärung gleichkommen' (to amount to a declaration of war) is often used. This expresses that an action is perceived as extremely hostile.
Seine öffentliche Kritik an der Chefin kam einer Kriegserklärung gleich.
His public criticism of the boss amounted to a declaration of war.
challenge / declaration of war
Eine Kampfansage publicly and resolutely challenges someone to a competition or conflict. Eine Kriegserklärung, in a figurative sense, refers to the beginning of a particularly serious, hostile confrontation. Kampfansage is therefore more suitable for sporting competition, while Kriegserklärung is more suitable for a radical escalation.
Der persönliche Angriff des Vorsitzenden wirkte wie eine Kriegserklärung an seine Gegner.
The chairman's personal attack seemed like a declaration of war against his opponents.
Die selbstbewusste Rede des Trainers war eine Kampfansage an den Tabellenführer.
The coach's confident speech was a challenge to the league leaders.
