Kriegsführung
The English phrase "warfare" is translated into German as Kriegsführung.
Kriegsführung refers to the specific methods, tactics or the art of waging armed conflict against an enemy.
Meaning: the waging of war or armed conflict against an enemy (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This is a compound noun made of Krieg, meaning "war" and Führung, meaning "leadership", "conduct" or "management".
Which one should you use?
While the German word Krieg refers to the state of war itself, Kriegsführung is used to discuss the tactical conduct and methods used during that war.
How does it change in a sentence?
This noun is feminine, so it uses the article die in the nominative case.
Did you know?
- The root Führung in Kriegsführung is the same word used today for a 'tour' or 'guided visit' of a museum or city.
- The -s- in Kriegsführung is called a 'Fugen-s' and acts as a linguistic glue to join two nouns, even though it does not indicate possession.
- The word Führung is so versatile that it describes everything from a military command in Kriegsführung to the 'lead' a runner has in a race.
Examples in context
- In der modernen Kriegsführung müssen die Soldaten nicht unbedingt bis an die Zähne bewaffnet sein, um als Kämpfer wirksam zu agieren.The art of modern warfare does not necessarily require soldiers to be armed to the teeth to be effective as combatants.This sentence shows how the term Kriegsführung is used when discussing the requirements of modern combat.Tatoeba #11585309 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #18656 by laurafults
- Die Kriegsführung hat sich im Laufe der Geschichte stark verändert.Warfare has changed significantly throughout history.
- Der Konflikt führte zu einer kriegerischen Auseinandersetzung.The conflict led to a warlike confrontation.
- Die digitale Kriegsführung verändert die Welt.Digital warfare is changing the world.
- Die moderne Kriegsführung ist sehr komplex.Modern warfare is very complex.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Lukas are discussing a history book.
- JuliaLukas, liest du das Buch über die Kriegsführung?Lukas, are you reading the book about warfare?
- LukasJa, es beschreibt die Taktiken des Mittelalters.Yes, it describes the tactics of the Middle Ages.
- JuliaIst die Kriegsführung damals sehr grausam gewesen?Was warfare very cruel back then?
- LukasJa, das war leider oft der Fall.Yes, unfortunately that was often the case.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Kriegsführung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kriegsführung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
