firearm
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firearm
A weapon that fires a projectile through a barrel by means of the explosion of a propellant charge.
Für den Besitz einer Schusswaffe benötigt man in Deutschland eine Genehmigung.
In Germany, you need a permit to own a firearm.
The word is made up of 'Schuss' (shot) and 'Waffe' (weapon). The 's' in the middle is a linking s, which connects the two parts. Literally, it is therefore a 'Schuss-Waffe' (shooting weapon).
Der Polizist trug seine Schusswaffe am Gürtel.
The police officer carried his firearm on his belt.
Common verbs used with 'Schusswaffe' (firearm) are 'eine Schusswaffe besitzen' (to own a firearm), 'tragen' (to carry), or 'abfeuern' (to fire). You also often hear 'Gebrauch der Schusswaffe' (use of a firearm).
Er hat die Schusswaffe im Tresor eingeschlossen.
He locked the firearm in the safe.
'Schusswaffe' (firearm) is a formal and official term used mainly in legal contexts, by the police, or in the news.
Der Täter war im Besitz einer illegalen Schusswaffe.
The perpetrator was in possession of an illegal firearm.
weapon
'die Waffe' and 'die Schusswaffe' both refer to dangerous objects that can be used to injure or threaten someone. However, 'Waffe' is the general term. It can include knives, rifles, or other means of combat, for example. 'Waffe' can also be meant figuratively, such as in an argument or competition. 'Schusswaffe' is more specific and means only a weapon that shoots, for example a pistol or a rifle. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Schusswaffe' is a 'Waffe', but not every 'Waffe' is a 'Schusswaffe'.
Bei der Kontrolle musste der Jäger seine Schusswaffe zeigen.
During the inspection, the hunter had to show his firearm.
Der Sicherheitsdienst fand eine Waffe in der Tasche des Besuchers.
Security found a weapon in the visitor's bag.