Raketenwerfer
[ʁaˈkeːtn̩ˌvɛʁfɐ]masculine
The English phrase rocket launcher is translated into German as Raketenwerfer. Wiktionary also lists Raketenabschussgerät.
Meaning: device for launching a missile (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Raketenwerfer | [ʁaˈkeːtn̩ˌvɛʁfɐ] (narrow) | masculine |
| Raketenabschussgerät | neuter |
The term refers to a device used for launching a missile.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Raketenwerfer is a compound of Raketen (rockets) and Werfer (thrower/launcher).
Which one should you use?
Raketenwerfer is the standard, common term, whereas Raketenabschussgerät is a more technical or bureaucratic term for a rocket launching device.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Raketenwerfer is Raketenwerfer, meaning the word does not change in the plural nominative.
Did you know?
- The English word 'rocket' and the German Rakete share an unexpected ancestor in the Italian word 'rocchetto', which means 'little spindle'.
- While Raketenwerfer is the general term, the German military often uses specific abbreviations like Panzerfaust for man-portable rocket launchers, which translates literally as 'tank fist'.
- German uses the same root Werfer for both a rocket launcher and a discus thrower in athletics, who is called a Diskuswerfer.
Examples in context
- Der Raketenwerfer ist sehr schwer.The rocket launcher is very heavy.
- Er benutzt einen Raketenwerfer im Spiel.He uses a rocket launcher in the game.
- Wir brauchen einen neuen Raketenwerfer.We need a new rocket launcher.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a military museum exhibit.
- JulianSchau mal, das ist ein Raketenwerfer.Look, that is a rocket launcher.
- HannahBeeindruckend, aber er sieht alt aus.Impressive, but it looks old.
- JulianJa, der Raketenwerfer stammt aus dem Krieg.Yes, the rocket launcher dates back to the war.
- HannahIch finde die Technik faszinierend.I find the technology fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rocket launcher” translations and entries Raketenwerfer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Raketenwerfer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
