Rüstung
/ˈrʏstʊŋ/feminine
The English word armor can be translated into German as Rüstung. Wiktionary also lists Panzerung and Bewehrung.
Meaning: protective layer over a body, vehicle, or other object intended to deflect or diffuse damaging forces (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rüstung | /ˈrʏstʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Panzerung | feminine | |
| Bewehrung | feminine |
In German, several words describe a protective layer intended to deflect or diffuse damaging forces over a body, vehicle or other object. Rüstung is used for protective technology, while Panzerung refers to armored shells or plating and Bewehrung is another term for a protective layer.
Which one should you use?
Use Panzerung when referring to the technical or mechanical armor plating of vehicles, tanks or industrial structures.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Rüstung is Rüstungen. The plural form of Panzerung is Panzerungen. The adjective used to describe something as being armored is gepanzert, and the verb to equip with armor is panzern.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈrʏstʊŋ/
Did you know?
- The word Panzer can also refer to a turtle's shell, showing that the concept of 'armor' in German extends to the natural world.
- In a military context, the phrase Rüstungswettlauf describes an 'arms race', where Rüstung refers to the general buildup of military hardware rather than just wearable plating.
- The word Bewehrung is used in modern German to describe the steel reinforcement bars inside concrete, treating the internal metal grid as a form of structural 'armor'.
Examples in context
- Gib mir die Rüstung.Give me the armor.This sentence demonstrates how to ask for a specific piece of Rüstung.Tatoeba #6088901 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6088873 by mailohilohi
- Die Ritter trugen kunstvolle Rüstungen.The knights wore elaborate suits of armor.This sentence shows the use of the plural Rüstung to describe knights' clothing.Tatoeba #6093136 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3769268 by Hybrid
- Die Panzerung des Polizeifahrzeugs rettete den Insassen das Leben.The police vehicle's armor plating saved the lives of its occupants.This sentence illustrates the use of Panzerung in the context of vehicle protection.Tatoeba #2630100 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2616282 by MethodGT
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are at a historical museum.
- FelixDiese Rüstung sieht sehr schwer aus.This armor looks very heavy.
- JuliaJa, die Rüstung des Königs war beeindruckend.Yes, the king's armor was impressive.
- FelixGlaubst du, man kann darin kämpfen?Do you think one can fight in it?
- JuliaDas ist bei dieser Rüstung wahrscheinlich schwierig.That is probably difficult with this armor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “armor” translations and entries Rüstung, Panzerung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
