saber
Loading your saved state.
saber
A cutting and thrusting weapon with a curved, usually single-edged blade, historically used especially by cavalry.
Der Offizier trug einen prunkvollen Säbel an seiner Seite.
The officer wore an ornate saber at his side.
The meaning of 'Säbel' (saber) becomes clear from context. If people are talking about history, the military, or pirates, the weapon is meant. In the context of modern sports, the fencing discipline is meant.
Der Piratenkapitän schwang seinen rostigen Säbel.
The pirate captain swung his rusty saber.
The idiom 'mit dem Säbel rasseln' means to make warlike or aggressive threats. It comes from the historical weapon, but today it is used figuratively, often in politics.
Die Regierung begann, diplomatisch mit dem Säbel zu rasseln.
The government began to rattle its saber diplomatically.
In sports, 'Säbel' (saber) is often mentioned together with the other two disciplines, 'Degen' (épée) and 'Florett' (foil). The verb used in this context is 'fechten' (to fence).
Er ficht seit seiner Kindheit mit dem Säbel.
He has been fencing with the saber since childhood.
sword
'das Schwert' and 'der Säbel' are both weapons with a long blade. 'Schwert' is the more general term for a historical weapon with a long blade. A 'Säbel' is more specific: it usually has a curved blade and was historically especially important for cavalry. In addition, 'Säbel' is also a weapon in modern sport fencing. Learners may confuse the words because both seem similar. If the blade is curved, or if the topic is fencing with this weapon, 'Säbel' is more precise.
Im Film trug der Offizier einen Säbel mit gebogener Klinge.
In the film, the officer wore a saber with a curved blade.
Aus Interesse hat Mehmet ein Buch über alte Schwerter gelesen.
Out of interest, Mehmet read a book about old swords.