armor / armament
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armor
Protective clothing made of metal, leather, or another sturdy material that was formerly worn by soldiers and knights.
Im Museum ist die eiserne Rüstung eines mittelalterlichen Ritters ausgestellt.
The iron armor of a medieval knight is on display in the museum.
'Die Rüstung' (armor/armament) belongs to the word family of the verb 'rüsten' (to prepare/equip). 'Rüsten' means to prepare or equip something, for example 'sich für eine Reise rüsten' (to prepare oneself for a trip).
Die Soldaten rüsteten sich für die bevorstehende Schlacht.
The soldiers prepared themselves for the upcoming battle.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about knights, the Middle Ages, or museums, it refers to the historical clothing. If it is about politics, the military, and government spending, it refers to a country's military equipment.
Im Schloss kann man eine alte Ritterrüstung besichtigen.
In the castle, you can view an old knight's armor.
In Austria and Switzerland, 'die Rüstung' (scaffolding) is also used for construction scaffolding. In Germany, this usage is uncommon.
Die Maler haben eine Rüstung an der Fassade aufgestellt.
The painters put up scaffolding on the facade.
When referring to a state's military equipment, 'Rüstung' (armament) is usually used as an uncountable noun in the singular. For example, people speak of 'mehr Geld für Rüstung' (more money for armament).
Das Land investiert stark in die Rüstung.
The country is investing heavily in armament.
'Emotionale Rüstung' (emotional armor) is a figurative expression for a protective attitude. Typical verbs in this context are 'sich eine Rüstung zulegen' (to put on/build up armor) or 'seine Rüstung ablegen' (to take off one's armor).
Er hat sich nach der Trennung eine Rüstung aus Gleichgültigkeit zugelegt.
After the breakup, he built himself armor made of indifference.
equipment
'die Ausrüstung' and 'die Rüstung' sound similar and can both have to do with objects for protection or combat. But 'Ausrüstung' is much more general: it means everything you need for a particular activity. 'Rüstung' mainly means protective clothing, like what knights or soldiers wore in the past, or in a broader sense the military armament of a state. Learners may confuse the words because of their similar form. In everyday language, for sports, travel, or work, you almost always say 'Ausrüstung'; 'Rüstung' fits only in historical, military, or special protection contexts.
Im Museum sehen die Kinder eine schwere Rüstung aus Metall.
In the museum, the children see a heavy suit of armor made of metal.
Weißt du, ob sie die Ausrüstung für den Schulausflug morgen mitbringt?
Do you know whether she is bringing the equipment for the school trip tomorrow?