Atombombe
[aˈtoːmˌbɔmbə]feminine
The English phrase nuclear bomb is translated into German as Atombombe. Wiktionary also lists A-Bombe.
Meaning: nuclear bomb (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Atombombe | [aˈtoːmˌbɔmbə] (narrow) | feminine |
| A-Bombe | feminine |
The term refers to a nuclear bomb.
What does it mean word for word?
Atombombe is a compound noun made of Atom (atom) and Bombe (bomb).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal contexts, you can use Nuklearbombe or the term Kernwaffe, which literally means core weapon. In casual or journalistic settings, the shortened form A-Bombe is used, similar to the English 'nuke' or 'A-bomb'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Atombombe is Atombomben.
Did you know?
- The German word Atom shares the same Greek root as 'atom' in English, meaning 'indivisible', though science later proved the nucleus could be split.
- In German, you can combine almost any noun with Bombe to create a specific type of explosive, such as Wasserbombe for a water balloon.
- Unlike English, where 'nuclear' is a broad adjective, German often prefers the prefix Atom- for things related to the bomb and Nuklear- for academic or international political contexts.
Examples in context
- Es gibt ein paar Atombombenbunker in der Stadt.There are a few nuclear bomb shelters in the city.This sentence shows how to use Atombombe in the context of nuclear bomb shelters.Tatoeba #1911259 by Tamy, translation #44817 by sundown
- Die Erfindung der Atombombe bedeutet, daß wir in der Lage sind, uns selbst zu vernichten.The invention of the nuclear bomb means that we are capable of destroying ourselves.This sentence uses Atombombe to discuss the invention of the weapon.Tatoeba #13607289 by Waldelfe, translation #2521660 by Amastan
- Wow, hast du schon mal 'ne Atombombe in Aktion gesehen?Wow, have you ever seen a nuclear bomb in action?
- Eine Atombombe ist eine schreckliche Waffe.A nuclear bomb is a terrible weapon.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are discussing a historical documentary.
- FelixHast du den Film über die Atombombe gesehen?Did you see the movie about the nuclear bomb?
- SarahJa, Felix, ich habe ihn gestern geschaut.Yes, Felix, I watched it yesterday.
- FelixDie Wirkung der Atombombe ist schrecklich.The effect of the nuclear bomb is terrible.
- SarahDas stimmt, es ist wirklich beängstigend.That's true, it is really frightening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nuclear bomb” translations and entries Atombombe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Atombombe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
