German word

Belagerung

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈlaːgɐʊ̯ŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounsiege

Example

Nach der Belagerung kapitulierte die Stadt.

After the siege, the city surrendered.

Illustration for Belagerung (siege)

More examples

Die Ankunft des Entsatzes beendete die Belagerung.

The arrival of the relief troops brought the siege to an end.

Core concept

Walls stand at the center of a closed military ring that applies pressure until the defenders give in.

Common phrases

  • die Belagerung abbrechen

    call off the siege

  • eine Belagerung aushalten

    endure a siege

  • eine Belagerung abwenden

    avert a siege

Similar words

Blockade: A political or military action that blocks a route or port to stop movement of people or goods.
Einkesselung: A military encirclement that cuts off escape routes and outside communication.
Abriegelung: A temporary measure that seals roads or entrances to prevent entry or departure.

Definition in German

Belagerung bezeichnet das langandauernde Umzingeln und die Blockade eines Ortes, mit dem Ziel, ihn zur Übergabe zu zwingen.

Word origin

The noun Belagerung was formed from belagern with the prefix be- and the Germanic noun Lager, meaning a camp or position.

Usage tips

  • The related verb belagern takes a direct accusative object, as in Die Armee belagerte die Stadt, without a preposition.

Opposites

Related words

  • Belagerungskriegsiege warnoun
  • belagernlay siege toverb

Word lists with this word