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.
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.
threat
'die Bedrohung' and 'das Schwert' can both have to do with danger, but in different ways. 'die Bedrohung' directly names a serious danger or something that can cause harm. 'das Schwert' is actually a weapon. In a figurative sense, it can serve as an image for danger, power, or violence. That is why 'Bedrohung' is the normal and clear word. 'Schwert' only fits when you are speaking figuratively or symbolically.
Die möglichen Kündigungen hingen wie ein Schwert über dem ganzen Team.
The possible layoffs hung like a sword over the whole team.
Für viele kleine Firmen ist der hohe Strompreis eine ernste Bedrohung.
For many small companies, the high price of electricity is a serious threat.