sword
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sword
A historical cutting and thrusting weapon with a long, straight or curved blade and a handle.
Im Museum war ein altes Schwert aus dem Mittelalter ausgestellt.
An old sword from the Middle Ages was on display in the museum.
sword
In a figurative sense, a symbol of great danger, a threat, or of power and violence.
Die drohende Entlassungswelle hing wie ein Damoklesschwert über der Belegschaft.
The looming wave of layoffs hung over the workforce like the sword of Damocles.
In its literal meaning, 'Schwert' (sword) is often combined with certain verbs that describe an action. Common combinations are 'ein Schwert ziehen' (to draw a sword), 'ein Schwert schmieden' (to forge a sword), or 'mit dem Schwert kämpfen' (to fight with a sword).
Der Ritter zog sein Schwert, um sich zu verteidigen.
The knight drew his sword to defend himself.
The expression 'ein Damoklesschwert hängt über jemandem/etwas' (a sword of Damocles hangs over someone/something) describes a constant, invisible danger. It is often used in political or economic contexts.
Die Möglichkeit von Jobkürzungen hängt wie ein Damoklesschwert über der Firma.
The possibility of job cuts hangs over the company like a sword of Damocles.
The idiom 'ein zweischneidiges Schwert sein' (to be a double-edged sword) means that something has both advantages and disadvantages. It describes an ambivalent situation.
Soziale Medien sind ein zweischneidiges Schwert: Sie verbinden Menschen, können aber auch isolieren.
Social media is a double-edged sword: it connects people, but it can also isolate them.
épée / old hand
Das Schwert is the more general historical weapon with a long blade that can be used for cutting and thrusting. Der Degen more specifically refers to a thrusting weapon with a long, narrow blade. If the narrow shape is the decisive feature, Degen is the better choice.
Der Ritter trug ein Schwert mit einer langen, kräftigen Klinge.
The knight carried a sword with a long, sturdy blade.
Der Offizier trug einen Degen mit einer langen, schmalen Klinge.
The officer carried an épée with a long, narrow blade.
