German word

Wappen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvapn̩/

Meaning

  • neuter nouncoat of arms

Example

Das Wappen der Stadt ist rot und weiß.

The city's coat of arms is red and white.

Illustration for Wappen (coat of arms)

More examples

Beim Empfang hing das Wappen des Landes über dem Eingang.

At the reception, the country's coat of arms hung above the entrance.

Core concept

A distinctive design on a shield, flag, or seal marks a family, city, or institution.

Common phrases

  • das Wappen des Landes

    the country's coat of arms

  • ein Wappen entwerfen

    design a coat of arms

  • ein historisches Wappen restaurieren

    restore a historic coat of arms

Similar words

Logo: A modern graphic or lettering mark identifying a company or organization.
Emblem: A decorative design symbolizing an organization or an idea.
Siegel: A mark pressed or stamped onto a document to certify its authenticity.
Abzeichen: A small badge showing membership, rank, or qualification.

Definition in German

Ein Wappen ist ein Zeichen, das eine Familie, eine Stadt oder eine Institution kennzeichnet und oft auf Schild, Fahne oder Siegel dargestellt wird.

Word origin

Wappen comes through Middle High German wâpen from Old High German wāfen, meaning "weapon," as heraldic designs developed from marks displayed on shields.

Usage tips

  • Wappen is neuter, and its plural is also Wappen: das Wappen and die Wappen.

Other meanings

  • emblemnoun

Related words

  • Wappenbildheraldic imagenoun
  • Wappenschildheraldic shieldnoun
  • wappenloswithout a coat of armsadjective

Word lists with this word