01
die Pistole
pistol
A small firearm that can be held and operated with one hand.
example
Der Polizist zog seine Pistole und forderte den Täter auf, stehen zu bleiben.
The police officer drew his pistol and ordered the offender to stop.
die Pistole
pistol / gun
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem die Pistole auf die Brust setzen' (to put pressure on someone) has a fixed structure. The person who is put under pressure is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Mein Chef hat mir mit dem neuen Projekt wirklich die Pistole auf die Brust gesetzt.
My boss really put pressure on me with the new project.
Use as a tool
When 'Pistole' (gun) refers to a tool, it is almost always part of a compound word. The first word describes what the tool is used for.
EXAMPLE
Für die Reparatur brauchst du eine Heißklebepistole.
You need a hot glue gun for the repair.
Typical collocations
When referring to the firearm, 'Pistole' (pistol) is often used with verbs such as 'ziehen' (to draw), 'laden' (to load), 'sichern' (to put on safety/secure), or 'auf jemanden richten' (to point at someone).
EXAMPLE
Der Bankräuber richtete seine Pistole auf den Kassierer.
The bank robber pointed his pistol at the cashier.
Compare with
Pistole vs Waffe
weapon
'die Waffe' and 'die Pistole' belong to the same topic area, but they are not equally specific. 'Waffe' is the general term for objects that can be used to injure, kill, or threaten someone. A 'Pistole' is a specific type of weapon: a small firearm for one hand. Learners may confuse the words because every pistol is a weapon. But not every weapon is a pistol: a knife or a rifle can also be a weapon. If the type is not important, 'Waffe' fits. If you mean this specific small firearm, 'Pistole' fits.
Pistole
Im Film legt der Polizist seine Pistole vorsichtig auf den Tisch.
In the film, the police officer carefully places his pistol on the table.
Waffe
Die Polizei fand bei der Kontrolle eine Waffe im Auto.
During the inspection, the police found a weapon in the car.
In real life
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