Krieg
[kʁiːk]masculine
The German word for war is Krieg.
Krieg refers to an organized conflict involving the use of arms. In more formal contexts, you might encounter the term Bewaffneter Konflikt, which translates to "armed conflict".
Meaning: conflict involving organized use of arms (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Krieg is the noun for war, the verb used to express the action of waging or engaging in war is the phrase Krieg führen. Do not confuse the noun with the verb kriegen, which is a colloquial term meaning "to get" or "to obtain" and is unrelated to armed conflict.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Krieg is a masculine noun. In the singular genitive case, meaning "of the war", it takes the ending -es to become Krieges.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use the verb kriegen when they intend to speak about war. However, kriegen simply means "to get" in a colloquial sense.
Did you know?
- In military history, the German term Blitzkrieg became so influential that it was adopted directly into English to describe a fast and sudden attack.
- In German, the word Krieg is used in the compound Kriegsschauplatz to describe a 'theater of war' or the specific geographical area where fighting occurs.
- The word Krieg appears in the common expression Krieg führen, which literally translates to 'leading' or 'conducting' a war, rather than just 'fighting' one.
Examples in context
- Wir sind im Krieg.We're at war.This sentence uses Krieg to describe a state of being at war.Tatoeba #3539392 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2240807 by CK
- Krieg ist die Hölle.War is hell.This sentence uses Krieg to describe the nature of war.Tatoeba #2195472 by Tamy, translation #2195466 by Hybrid
- Der Krieg dauert an.The war goes on.This sentence uses Krieg to describe a war that is continuing.Tatoeba #4984042 by al_ex_an_der, translation #4986005 by jayrod84
- Der Zweite Weltkrieg war eine entscheidende Phase der Geschichte.The Second World War was a crucial phase of history.
- Es gibt so viel Krieg auf der Welt, es ist wirklich traurig.There is so much war in the world, it is truly sad.
- Der Krieg hat viele Menschenleben gefordert.The war has claimed many lives.
- Die Kampfhandlungen des Ersten Weltkriegs waren langwierig und grausam.The combat actions of the First World War were protracted and cruel.
- 573 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are discussing a history book.
- LauraWann begann dieser Krieg?When did this war begin?
- LukasIch glaube, im Jahr 1914.I think in 1914.
- LauraEin schrecklicher Krieg, nicht wahr?A terrible war, isn't it?
- LukasJa, das war es wirklich.Yes, it really was.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “war” translations and entries Krieg, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
