ceasefire
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ceasefire
An agreement between warring parties to stop combat operations for a certain period of time or permanently.
Die verfeindeten Länder haben einen Waffenstillstand ausgehandelt, um Friedensgespräche zu führen.
The hostile countries negotiated a ceasefire in order to hold peace talks.
The word is made up of 'Waffen' (weapons, plural of 'die Waffe') and 'Stillstand' (standstill). So it literally describes a state in which the weapons stand still.
Der Waffenstillstand wurde von beiden Seiten respektiert.
The ceasefire was respected by both sides.
Certain verbs are often combined with 'Waffenstillstand' (ceasefire). You can 'aushandeln' (negotiate), 'vereinbaren' (agree on), or 'schließen' (conclude) one. The opposite is to 'brechen' (break) a ceasefire.
Die Diplomaten versuchten, einen Waffenstillstand auszuhandeln.
The diplomats tried to negotiate a ceasefire.
This word belongs to formal language and is used mainly in the context of war, conflicts, and politics. It is often found in news reports and historical texts.
Die UNO forderte einen sofortigen Waffenstillstand.
The UN called for an immediate ceasefire.
peace
'der Frieden' and 'der Waffenstillstand' both have to do with the end of fighting. 'Frieden' means a state in which there is no war and the parties truly live without armed conflict. 'Waffenstillstand' is more specific: the weapons are silent because there is an agreement, but the conflict may not yet be resolved. Learners may confuse the words because things often become calmer after a ceasefire. But a ceasefire is often only one step on the path to peace.
Der Waffenstillstand gilt seit Mitternacht, aber die Friedensverhandlungen gehen weiter.
The ceasefire has been in effect since midnight, but the peace negotiations are continuing.
Nach vielen Jahren Krieg hoffen die Menschen endlich auf Frieden.
After many years of war, people are finally hoping for peace.