mit Atomwaffen angreifen
The English verb "nuke" can be translated into German as mit Atomwaffen angreifen.
Meaning: (colloquial) to use a nuclear weapon on a target (verb)
Did you know?
- While mit Atomwaffen angreifen is the literal translation, German speakers often use the loanword nuken in gaming communities to describe destroying a base with a nuclear strike.
- The word angreifen literally combines the prefix an with the verb greifen, which means 'to grasp' or 'to seize'. To 'nuke' something in German is linguistically described as 'seizing' it with atomic weapons.
- The verb 'angreifen' used in this phrase is the same word a German speaker would use to describe a soccer player 'attacking' the goal or a person 'attacking' someone in a verbal argument.
Examples in context
- Die Entwicklung von Kernwaffen ist ein kontroverses internationales Thema.The development of nuclear weapons is a controversial international topic.
- Sie könnten die Stadt mit Atomwaffen angreifen.They could attack the city with nuclear weapons.
- Niemand sollte ein Land mit Atomwaffen angreifen.No one should attack a country with nuclear weapons.
- Würden sie die Basis mit Atomwaffen angreifen?Would they attack the base with nuclear weapons?
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing a political news report.
- SarahGlaubst du, sie werden mit Atomwaffen angreifen?Do you think they will attack with nuclear weapons?
- MaximilianDas ist ein sehr gefährlicher Gedanke, Sarah.That is a very dangerous thought, Sarah.
- SarahAber die Lage ist extrem angespannt.But the situation is extremely tense.
- MaximilianTrotzdem, ein solcher Angriff wäre katastrophal.Even so, such an attack would be catastrophic.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries angreifen, mit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
