Pistole
/pɪsˈtoːlə/feminine
The English word "gun" can be translated into German as Pistole or Handbüchse.
Meaning: portable, short weapon, for hand use (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pistole | /pɪsˈtoːlə/ | feminine |
| Handbüchse |
In German, terms for a gun vary depending on whether you are being specific, technical or using slang. While the word refers to a portable, short weapon for hand use, the specific term you choose will change based on the context.
Which one should you use?
Pistole is used to refer specifically to a handgun or pistol, rather than a long gun like a rifle. In contrast, Handbüchse is an archaic or technical term often used in historical contexts to describe early handheld firearms. For a general technical term that covers any kind of firearm, including rifles and pistols, you would use Schusswaffe.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Pistole is feminine, which means it takes the articles die (the) or eine (a).
How do you pronounce it?
/pɪsˈtoːlə/
Did you know?
- The word Pistole has its roots in the Czech word píšťala, which literally translates to 'pipe' or 'tube'.
- The word Büchse in Handbüchse is the same word Germans use today for a 'can' of soda or a 'rifle'.
- In historical German texts, Handbüchse describes the transition from heavy cannons to weapons a single soldier could carry.
Examples in context
- Tom zog seine Pistole.Tom drew his gun.This sentence is useful for seeing the verb for drawing a Pistole.Tatoeba #9976691 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9974880 by CK
- Wem gehört die Pistole?Who does the gun belong to?This sentence is useful for asking about the ownership of a Pistole.Tatoeba #2830646 by Tamy, translation #58557 by CK
- Die Pistole ist geladen.The gun is loaded.This sentence is useful for describing whether a Pistole is loaded.Tatoeba #11830933 by Naina, translation #9178975 by CK
- Die Polizisten trugen Pistolen.The police officers carried guns.
- Der Besitz von Feuerwaffen ist streng reglementiert.The possession of firearms is strictly regulated.
- Der Soldat hatte ein Gewehr bei sich.The soldier had a gun with him.
- Der Gangster zog seine Knarre.The gangster pulled out his gun.
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are watching a detective movie.
- SarahSiehst du die Pistole in seiner Hand?Do you see the gun in his hand?
- JulianJa, aber er zielt nicht richtig.Yes, but he is not aiming correctly.
- SarahDie Pistole sieht sehr alt aus.The gun looks very old.
- JulianDas passt gut zur Geschichte.That fits the story well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gun” translations and entries Pistole, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Pistole, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
