der Speer
spear
A historical weapon consisting of a long shaft with a sharp point, used for throwing or thrusting.
EXAMPLE
Die antiken Jäger erlegten ihre Beute mit einem Speer.
The ancient hunters killed their prey with a spear.
der Speer
spear
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Meanings
der Speer
javelin
A piece of sports equipment in athletics that is thrown as far as possible in the javelin throw.
EXAMPLE
Der Athlet warf den Speer über 80 Meter weit.
The athlete threw the javelin over 80 meters.
Usage tips
Typical verb
By far the most common verb used with 'Speer' (spear/javelin) is 'werfen' (to throw). It fits both the historical weapon and the sports equipment.
EXAMPLE
Der Speer wurde mit großer Kraft geworfen.
The spear was thrown with great force.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether the weapon or the sports equipment is meant. Words like 'Athlet' (athlete), 'Stadion' (stadium), or a distance in meters point to sports, while 'Jäger' (hunter), 'Krieger' (warrior), or 'historisch' (historical) refer to the weapon.
EXAMPLE
Der Speer des Athleten landete bei 85 Metern.
The athlete's javelin landed at 85 meters.
Word family in sports
In a sports context, the noun 'der Speer' (the javelin) gives rise to the discipline 'der Speerwurf' (javelin throw) and the verb 'speerwerfen' (to throw the javelin).
EXAMPLE
Sie trainiert für das Speerwerfen bei den nächsten Meisterschaften.
She is training for the javelin throw at the next championships.
Compare with
Speer vs Spieß
skewer / spear
Spieß and Speer are historical weapons with a long shaft and a point. A Spieß is a thrusting weapon and is used for thrusting. A Speer, on the other hand, can be both thrust and thrown; when it is thrown, only Speer is appropriate.
Speer
Der Kämpfer wirft den Speer auf sein entferntes Ziel.
The fighter throws the spear at his distant target.
Spieß
Der Kämpfer hält den langen Spieß zum Stoßen vor sich.
The fighter holds the long spear in front of him, ready to thrust.
In real life
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