German word

Waffe

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvafə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounweapon

Example

Der Soldat trägt eine Waffe.

The soldier carries a weapon.

Illustration for Waffe (weapon)

More examples

Im Museum ist eine historische Waffe ausgestellt.

A historic weapon is on display in the museum.

Core concept

A knife, firearm, or other means of force kept ready for use in a clash.

Common phrases

  • eine Waffe tragen

    carry a weapon

  • eine Waffe benutzen

    use a weapon

  • mit einer Waffe drohen

    threaten with a weapon

Similar words

Pistole: A small handheld gun made for firing at close range.
Messer: A portable blade used for cutting or stabbing.
Gewehr: A long gun held against the shoulder to fire bullets over distance.

Definition in German

Ein Gerät oder Mittel, das in Konflikten zum Angriff oder zur Verteidigung dient.

Word origin

Waffe comes through Middle High German from an inherited Germanic word for a weapon and is cognate with English weapon.

Usage tips

  • The plural Waffen can mean arms, whereas Arme means the body parts called arms.

Other meanings

  • armsnoun

Opposites

  • Friedenpeacenoun
  • Entwaffnungdisarmamentnoun

Related words

  • Bewaffnungarmamentnoun
  • Waffentechnikweapons technologynoun

Word lists with this word