Waffe
/ˈvafə/feminine
The German word for weapon is Waffe.
Waffe refers to an instrument used for attack or defense in combat.
Meaning: instrument of attack or defense in combat (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Waffe is the standard term, Wehrmittel is used specifically when referring to military equipment or armaments. If you are specifically referring to a firearm in an informal context, you might use the word Wumme.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Waffe is Waffen. In the singular, the form changes to der Waffe when used in the genitive or dative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvafə/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Waffe is a 'doublet' of the word Wappen, which means 'coat of arms'.
- A Waffenruhe is a ceasefire. Literally, the word translates to 'weapon rest' or 'weapon silence'.
- In German, the phrase die Waffen niederlegen means 'to lay down arms'. This is used both literally for surrendering and figuratively for ending a conflict.
Examples in context
- Wo ist Ihre Waffe?Where's your weapon?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of someone's Waffe.Tatoeba #7451662 by Yorwba, translation #2254693 by CK
- Es ist keine Waffe.It's not a weapon.This sentence is useful for denying that an object is a Waffe.Tatoeba #7478560 by Yorwba, translation #2648482 by CK
- Ich fand eine Waffe.I found a weapon.This sentence is useful for stating that you discovered a Waffe.Tatoeba #12668716 by Waldelfe, translation #12209408 by CK
- Soldaten verwenden verschiedene Waffen im Krieg.Soldiers use various weapons in the war.
- Komm schon, zeig mir deine neue Wumme!Come on, show me your new gun!
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a movie scene.
- MaximilianWelche Waffe benutzt der Held in dem Film?Which weapon does the hero use in the movie?
- HannahEr benutzt eine sehr alte Waffe.He uses a very old weapon.
- MaximilianIst das ein Schwert oder ein Bogen?Is it a sword or a bow?
- HannahEs ist ein Schwert, Maximilian.It is a sword, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weapon” translations and entries Waffe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Waffe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
