war zone
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war zone
A geographic region where active combat operations are taking place as part of a war.
Hilfsorganisationen versuchen, die Zivilbevölkerung im Kriegsgebiet mit dem Nötigsten zu versorgen.
Aid organizations are trying to provide the civilian population in the war zone with the essentials.
The word is a compound made up of 'Krieg' (war), the linking element '-s-', and 'Gebiet' (area/region). So it literally refers to an area where war is taking place.
Die Flucht aus dem Kriegsgebiet war gefährlich und lang.
The escape from the war zone was dangerous and long.
The word element 'Kriegs-' is used in many words as a modifier to establish a connection to war. Examples include 'Kriegsgefahr' (danger of war), 'Kriegsverbrechen' (war crime), or 'Kriegsende' (end of the war).
Die ganze Welt hoffte auf ein baldiges Kriegsende.
The whole world hoped for a quick end to the war.
Pay attention to the preposition and case: 'im Kriegsgebiet' (in the war zone, dative) describes a location, while 'ins Kriegsgebiet' (into the war zone, accusative) describes movement in that direction.
Er hat mehrere Jahre als Arzt im Kriegsgebiet gearbeitet.
He worked for several years as a doctor in the war zone.
battlefield
'das Schlachtfeld' and 'das Kriegsgebiet' both have to do with war and fighting. 'Das Schlachtfeld' is a specific place where a battle is taking place or has taken place. So it can also be a historical site. 'Das Kriegsgebiet' is larger and means a region where war and fighting are currently happening. Learners may confuse the words because both describe dangerous places in war. As a practical rule: for a single battle, 'Schlachtfeld' fits; for an entire active war region, 'Kriegsgebiet' fits. 'Schlachtfeld' can also be used figuratively for great chaos; 'Kriegsgebiet' normally cannot.
Die Hilfsorganisation bringt Medikamente in das Kriegsgebiet.
The aid organization is bringing medicine into the war zone.
Das Museum zeigt alte Fotos von dem Schlachtfeld.
The museum shows old photos of the battlefield.