organ
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organ
A large keyboard instrument that produces sounds through air flowing through pipes of different sizes. Organs are especially common in churches.
Beim Gottesdienst spielte der Organist auf der großen Orgel.
During the church service, the organist played the large organ.
organ gun
A historical multi-barreled firearm in which several rifle or cannon barrels were arranged side by side, allowing rapid firing of volleys. Also known as an organ gun.
Im Militärmuseum war eine mittelalterliche Orgel ausgestellt, eine frühe Form des Maschinengewehrs.
A medieval organ gun was on display in the military museum, an early form of the machine gun.
The two meanings are very different and become clear from context. If people are talking about music, churches, or concerts, the instrument is meant. In historical or military texts, the weapon may be meant.
Die alte Orgel in der Kathedrale hat einen beeindruckenden Klang.
The old organ in the cathedral has an impressive sound.
In connection with the musical instrument, the most common verbs are 'spielen' (to play) and 'hören' (to hear). You say 'Orgel spielen' (to play the organ) or, to emphasize the place/instrument, 'auf der Orgel spielen' (to play on the organ).
Sie lernt seit fünf Jahren, Orgel zu spielen.
She has been learning to play the organ for five years.
The person who plays the organ is called 'der Organist' (the male organist) or 'die Organistin' (the female organist). These words are derived directly from 'die Orgel' (the organ).
Der Organist der Gemeinde gibt am Sonntag ein Konzert.
The parish organist is giving a concert on Sunday.
The meaning as a weapon is now almost exclusively historical or technical. In normal usage, you will encounter this meaning only in museums, films, or books about military history.
Der Führer im Museum erklärte die Funktionsweise der historischen Orgel.
The guide in the museum explained how the historical organ gun worked.
