das Pulver
powder
A dry substance made up of very fine, small particles.
EXAMPLE
Löse das Pulver in warmem Wasser auf.
Dissolve the powder in warm water.
das Pulver
powder
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Meanings
das Pulver
gunpowder
An explosive substance used as a propellant in firearms or for fireworks; also called gunpowder.
EXAMPLE
Die Erfindung des Schießpulvers hat die Kriegsführung revolutioniert.
The invention of gunpowder revolutionized warfare.
sein Pulver verschossen haben
to have shot one's bolt
An idiom meaning that someone has used up all their arguments, resources, or energy and has nothing left to counter with.
EXAMPLE
Nach einer Stunde Diskussion hatte der Redner sein Pulver verschossen und wiederholte sich nur noch.
After an hour of discussion, the speaker had shot his bolt and was only repeating himself.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Pulver' (powder) becomes clear from context. In everyday situations (kitchen, medicine, bathroom), it usually refers to the general substance. In connection with weapons, history, or fireworks, it means gunpowder.
EXAMPLE
Für den Kuchen brauchen wir noch Backpulver.
We still need baking powder for the cake.
Common compounds
The word 'Pulver' (powder) is a common component of compound nouns that describe a substance in powder form. Examples are 'Waschpulver' (washing powder), 'Kakaopulver' (cocoa powder), or 'Proteinpulver' (protein powder).
EXAMPLE
Gib bitte noch etwas Kakaopulver in die Milch.
Please add a little more cocoa powder to the milk.
Typical usage
When talking about powder that is used in a liquid, the typical verb is 'auflösen' (to dissolve). A common phrase is also 'in Pulverform' (in powder form).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Medikament gibt es in Tablettenform und in Pulverform.
This medication is available in tablet form and in powder form.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sein Pulver verschossen haben' (to have shot one's bolt) is fixed. The possessive pronoun ('sein') changes to match the person who has no arguments or energy left.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann nicht mehr diskutieren, ich habe mein Pulver für heute verschossen.
I can't discuss this anymore; I've shot my bolt for today.
Compare with
Pulver vs Munition
ammunition
In a figurative sense, Munition refers to arguments or information that can be used in a dispute. In the fixed expression „sein Pulver verschossen haben“ (to have used up all one’s ammunition), Pulver means that all arguments or resources have already been exhausted. The appropriate choice therefore depends on the expression being used.
Pulver
Nach ihren wenigen Einwänden hatte sie ihr Pulver bereits verschossen.
After her few objections, she had already shot her bolt.
Munition
Mit den neuen Zahlen hat sie genug Munition für die nächste Debatte.
With the new figures, she has enough ammunition for the next debate.
In real life
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