German word

Schwert

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃveːɐ̯t/

Meaning

  • neuter nounsword

Example

Das Schwert war im Museum ausgestellt.

The sword was on display at the museum.

Illustration for Schwert (sword)

More examples

In der Krise drohte die Regierung, zum Schwert zu greifen.

In the crisis, the government threatened to resort to force.

Core concept

A long, sharp blade held as a weapon and also shown as a sign of authority, honor, or justice.

Common phrases

  • zum Schwert greifen

    resort to force

  • ein Schwert ziehen

    draw a sword

  • das Schwert des Damokles

    the sword of Damocles

Similar words

Waffe: A tool used for attack or defense and sometimes representing military power.
Klinge: The thin metal part of a cutting tool that has a sharp edge.
Degen: A slender thrusting sword used in duels or ceremonial settings.
Dolch: A short blade designed for stabbing, used for self-defense or ritual.

Definition in German

Eine Klinge oder Waffe mit langer, scharfer Schneide; außerdem häufig als Bild für Macht, Ehre oder Recht in Redewendungen und Darstellungen verwendet.

Word origin

Schwert continues Old High German swert and is cognate with English sword, from an old Germanic word for a bladed weapon.

Usage tips

  • Schwert is neuter, with the plural Schwerter, so the forms are das Schwert and die Schwerter.

Opposites

Related words

  • Schwertkampfswordsmanshipnoun
  • Schwertkämpferswordsmannoun
  • Schwertklingesword bladenoun

Word lists with this word