01
die Waffe
weapon
An object intended to be used in combat or hunting to injure, kill, or threaten someone.
example
Der Bankräuber hatte eine Waffe, aber niemand wurde verletzt.
The bank robber had a weapon, but no one was injured.
die Waffe
weapon
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'bewaffnet' (armed) is derived from the noun 'die Waffe' (weapon). A person who is carrying a weapon is therefore armed.
EXAMPLE
Der Täter war bewaffnet und konnte zunächst entkommen.
The perpetrator was armed and was initially able to escape.
Typical verbs
In the literal sense, 'Waffe' (weapon) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical combinations are 'eine Waffe tragen' (to carry a weapon), 'eine Waffe ziehen' (to draw a weapon), or 'eine Waffe benutzen' (to use a weapon).
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist forderte den Mann auf, die Waffe fallen zu lassen.
The police officer ordered the man to drop the weapon.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that 'Waffe' (weapon) is combined with abstract terms. For example, 'Worte' (words), 'Argumente' (arguments), or 'Humor' (humor) can be described as weapons in a discussion.
EXAMPLE
Sein Charme war seine stärkste Waffe, um die Leute zu überzeugen.
His charm was his strongest weapon for convincing people.
Fixed expression
A common idiom is 'jemanden mit seinen eigenen Waffen schlagen' (to beat someone with their own weapons). It means using a person's methods or arguments against them.
EXAMPLE
Im Debattierclub hat sie ihren Gegner mit seinen eigenen Waffen geschlagen.
In the debate club, she beat her opponent with his own weapons.
Compare with
Waffe vs Mittel
remedy / means
'das Mittel' and 'die Waffe' can both refer, in a figurative sense, to something used to achieve a goal. 'das Mittel' is neutral: it can be a method, an action, or an approach. 'die Waffe' sounds stronger and fits especially in conflict, competition, or pressure situations, when someone wants to gain an advantage. The words can therefore be confused when talking about strategies. As a simple guide: 'Mittel' is general and matter-of-fact, while 'Waffe' sounds more combative and often more aggressive.
Waffe
Im Wettbewerb kann Geduld eine starke Waffe sein.
In a competition, patience can be a powerful weapon.
Mittel
Vor dem Termin sucht Herr Klein ein gutes Mittel, um das Problem ruhig zu erklären.
Before the appointment, Mr. Klein looks for a good way to explain the problem calmly.
In real life
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