das Minenfeld
minefield
An area where explosive mines have been laid and which is therefore very dangerous.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten mussten das Minenfeld vorsichtig räumen.
The soldiers had to clear the minefield carefully.
das Minenfeld
minefield
das Minenfeld, die Minenfelder
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Meanings
das Minenfeld
minefield
A difficult or risky situation in which even small mistakes can have serious consequences.
EXAMPLE
Bei diesem Thema bewegt sich die Regierung auf einem politischen Minenfeld.
On this issue, the government is navigating a political minefield.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Minenfeld, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Minenfelder |
| genitive | des Minenfelds |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Minenfeld | die Minenfelder |
| accusative | das Minenfeld | die Minenfelder |
| dative | dem Minenfeld | den Minenfeldern |
| genitive | des Minenfelds des Minenfeldes | der Minenfelder |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Minenfeld' is made up of 'Minen' (mines) and 'Feld' (field). Literally, it therefore refers to a field in which mines are located.
EXAMPLE
Das Minenfeld wurde auf keiner aktuellen Karte verzeichnet.
The minefield was not marked on any current map.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'Minenfeld' often occurs with verbs such as 'räumen' (to clear), 'betreten' (to enter), and 'durchqueren' (to cross). 'Ein Minenfeld markieren' (to mark a minefield) is also a common phrase.
EXAMPLE
Die Einsatzkräfte durften das Minenfeld erst nach einer gründlichen Prüfung betreten.
The emergency personnel were only allowed to enter the minefield after a thorough inspection.
Context clue
The figurative meaning is often recognizable from topics such as politics, diplomacy, or negotiations. Words like 'politisch' (political), 'diplomatisch' (diplomatic), or 'rechtlich' (legal) show that no actual terrain is meant.
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner öffentlichen Kritik betrat der Minister ein diplomatisches Minenfeld.
With his public criticism, the minister entered a diplomatic minefield.
In real life
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