01
das Maschinengewehr
machine gun
A fully automatic firearm designed to fire many rounds in rapid succession.
example
Im Gefecht kam ein schweres Maschinengewehr zum Einsatz.
A heavy machine gun was used in the battle.
das Maschinengewehr
machine gun
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word consists of 'Maschine' (machine) and 'Gewehr' (rifle/gun). The 'n' is a linking element. So it describes a gun that functions automatically like a machine.
EXAMPLE
Die Erfindung des Maschinengewehrs hat die Kriegsführung verändert.
The invention of the machine gun changed warfare.
Typical collocations
A distinction is often made between a 'leichtes Maschinengewehr' (light machine gun), which can be carried by one person, and a 'schweres Maschinengewehr' (heavy machine gun), which requires a fixed position.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten trugen leichte Maschinengewehre.
The soldiers carried light machine guns.
Common abbreviation
Especially in historical, military, or journalistic texts, the abbreviation 'MG' is often used.
EXAMPLE
Der Schütze war für das MG verantwortlich.
The gunner was responsible for the MG.
Compare with
Maschinengewehr vs Gewehr
rifle
'das Gewehr' and 'das Maschinengewehr' sound similar and both refer to firearms. But the difference is important: a 'Gewehr' is generally a long firearm that is fired from the shoulder. A 'Maschinengewehr' is a special, fully automatic firearm that can fire many shots in rapid succession. Learners may confuse the words because 'Maschinengewehr' contains the word 'Gewehr'. Even so, it does not simply mean any rifle, but a specific military weapon.
Maschinengewehr
Im Kriegsfilm war das Maschinengewehr laut zu hören.
In the war film, the machine gun could be heard loudly.
Gewehr
Der Soldat reinigte nach der Übung sein Gewehr.
After the exercise, the soldier cleaned his rifle.
In real life
Loading video examples...