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.
armament
The total military equipment of a state, as well as its production in preparation for war.
Die Regierung hat den Etat für die Rüstung im nächsten Jahr erhöht.
The government has increased the budget for armament next year.
armor
In a figurative sense, a protective shell or armor that someone builds around themselves in order to protect themselves emotionally.
Nach der Enttäuschung legte er sich eine emotionale Rüstung zu.
After the disappointment, he put on emotional armor.
scaffolding
Scaffolding attached to buildings for construction or renovation work. This meaning is mainly common in Austria and Switzerland.
Für die Fassadenarbeiten wurde eine Rüstung am ganzen Haus angebracht.
Scaffolding was put up around the entire house for the facade work.
'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.
tank / shell
Panzer and Rüstung refer to historical protection for soldiers or knights. Panzer mainly protects the torso and can be one part of the equipment. Rüstung usually means the complete protective clothing made of metal, leather, or another sturdy material.
Der Ritter trug eine eiserne Rüstung zum Schutz seines ganzen Körpers.
The knight wore iron armor to protect his entire body.
Der Ritter trug einen eisernen Panzer zum Schutz seines Rumpfes.
The knight wore an iron breastplate to protect his torso.
