Handgranate
/ˈhantɡʁaˌnaːtə/feminine
The German phrase for hand grenade is Handgranate.
Handgranate refers to an explosive device.
Meaning: explosive device (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Hand (hand) and Granate (grenade).
How does it change in a sentence?
Handgranate is a feminine noun that takes the definite article die. The plural form of Handgranate is Handgranaten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhantɡʁaˌnaːtə/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Granate is also used as a slang term for a very attractive person, particularly a woman. Calling someone eine echte Granate is a high compliment regarding their beauty or energy.
- The suffix '-granate' in German stems from the Latin 'granatum', meaning 'seeded', which originally described the appearance of the pomegranate. This is the same root that gives us the English word 'granulated'.
- While Handgranate is the general term, the specific term Stielhandgranate refers to the stick-handled version, which led to the English nickname 'potato masher' due to its shape.
Examples in context
- Tom hat eine Handgranate.Tom has a hand grenade.This sentence shows the use of Handgranate in a simple statement.Tatoeba #12155306 by Adelpa, translation #12192531 by Miktsoanit
- Die Handgranate liegt auf dem Boden.The hand grenade is lying on the floor.
- Er wirft eine Handgranate in den Raum.He throws a hand grenade into the room.
Example conversation
In a historical movie set, two actors are discussing their props.
- SarahIst diese Handgranate echt?Is this hand grenade real?
- JulianNein, sie ist nur eine Requisite.No, it is just a prop.
- SarahJulian, pass auf die Handgranate auf!Julian, watch out for the hand grenade!
- JulianKeine Sorge, sie ist harmlos.Don't worry, it is harmless.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand grenade” translations and entries Handgranate, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Handgranate, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
