Gewehr
/ɡəˈveːɐ̯/neuter
The English word 'rifle' is translated into German as Gewehr.
Gewehr refers to a firearm equipped with a rifled barrel.
Meaning: firearm with a rifled barrel (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a neuter noun. The genitive singular form, used to express 'of the rifle', is des Gewehrs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈveːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- While Gewehr is the standard term, a German speaker might use the term Büchse to refer to a rifle, especially when discussing hunting.
- In historical military contexts, the term Gewehr was used for smoothbore muskets long before the invention of rifling.
- The word Gewehr is built from the root of the verb wehren, which means 'to defend' or 'to resist'.
Examples in context
- Das Gewehr ging los.The rifle went off.This sentence illustrates the verb phrase for a rifle going off.Tatoeba #2290159 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12258793 by Miktsoanit
- Das ist mein Gewehr.This is my rifle.This sentence shows how to express possession with Gewehr.Tatoeba #8307868 by Luiaard, translation #4500103 by CK
- Holen Sie mein Gewehr.Get my rifle.This sentence demonstrates how to use the word in a command.Tatoeba #7373833 by Yorwba, translation #1841169 by CK
- Im Jagdmuseum wurden antike Gewehre ausgestellt.Antique rifles were displayed in the hunting museum.
- Mein Großvater hat eine alte Büchse, die er zum Jagen benutzt.My grandfather has an old rifle that he uses for hunting.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are preparing for a hunting trip.
- JulianIst das Gewehr bereit?Is the rifle ready?
- LauraJa, es liegt im Auto.Yes, it is in the car.
- JulianSoll ich das Gewehr tragen?Should I carry the rifle?
- LauraNein, ich nehme es mit.No, I will take it with me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rifle” translations and entries Gewehr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gewehr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
