01
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
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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 Pfeil
arrow
'Pfeil' and 'Speer' can both be pointed objects that are thrown or shot. Even so, they refer to different things. A 'Pfeil' is narrow and is normally shot with a bow. A 'Speer' is a long shaft with a point and is thrown by hand or used for thrusting. In sports, 'Speer' also refers to the piece of equipment used in the javelin throw. Learners may confuse the words because both can look like weapons. The simple rule is: bow plus projectile is 'Pfeil'; long shaft for throwing is 'Speer'.
Speer
Im Training wirft Lena den Speer weiter als letzte Woche.
In training, Lena throws the javelin farther than last week.
Pfeil
Beim Bogenschießen traf der Pfeil genau die Mitte der Scheibe.
In archery, the arrow hit the exact center of the target.
In real life
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