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
die Waffe
weapon
In a figurative sense, a means used to gain an advantage in a conflict or competition.
EXAMPLE
In der Diskussion waren ihre scharfen Argumente die wirksamste Waffe.
In the discussion, her sharp arguments were the most effective weapon.
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
In a figurative sense, both “das Mittel” and “die Waffe” can refer to something that serves a goal or provides an advantage. “Mittel” presents its use neutrally as an approach; “Waffe” presents it as a combative or aggressive instrument in a dispute.
Waffe
Im Handelsstreit setzt die Regierung Sanktionen als Waffe gegen das andere Land ein.
In the trade dispute, the government is using sanctions as a weapon against the other country.
Mittel
Die Regierung betrachtet Sanktionen als Mittel, um ihre Forderungen durchzusetzen.
The government views sanctions as a means of enforcing its demands.
In real life
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