das  Geschütz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈʃʏts/

🎯 What exactly is a Geschütz?

Das Geschütz (noun, neuter) refers to a heavy firearm designed to fire projectiles over long distances. Typically, these are military weapons like Kanonen (cannons), Haubitzen (howitzers), or Mörser (mortars).

In contrast to Handfeuerwaffen (small arms like Pistolen or Gewehre), Geschütze are significantly larger, heavier, and have a considerably greater range and destructive power. They are often mounted on Lafetten (carriages) or are part of vehicles (Panzer - tanks, Schiffe - ships) or fixed Stellungen (positions).

The term can refer to both historical Kanonen (e.g., on castles) and modern Artilleriesysteme (artillery systems).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: das Geschütz

Das Geschütz is a noun with the article das (neuter).

Declension (Beugung)

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

1. Das schwere Geschütz wurde in Stellung gebracht. (The heavy gun was brought into position.)
2. Die Burg war mit mehreren alten Geschützen verteidigt. (The castle was defended with several old cannons.)
3. Der Lärm der feuernden Geschütze war ohrenbetäubend. (The noise of the firing guns was deafening.)
4. Die Wartung des Geschützes erfordert Fachkenntnis. (The maintenance of the gun requires expertise.)

🗣️ Usage: When to use "Geschütz"?

• Military Context: This is the most common use case. It refers to Artillerie (artillery), Panzerkanonen (tank guns), Schiffskanonen (naval guns), etc. Example: Die Artillerie unterstützte den Angriff mit ihren Geschützen. (The artillery supported the attack with its guns.)
• Historical Context: Describing armament on castles, fortresses, or historical battlefields. Example: Im Museum kann man alte Geschütze aus dem 17. Jahrhundert sehen. (In the museum, you can see old cannons from the 17th century.)
• Distinction: It's important to distinguish das Geschütz from small arms like das Gewehr (rifle) or die Pistole (pistol). A Geschütz is always a large-caliber weapon.
• Figurative Meaning: Less common, but possible in the sense of „schweres Geschütz auffahren“ – meaning to use strong arguments or means. Example: In der Debatte fuhr er rhetorisch schweres Geschütz auf. (In the debate, he brought out the big guns rhetorically.)

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Geschütz"

For the Article (das): Think of das neutral metal that many guns (Geschütze) are made of. Or think of das Ding (the thing) – Geschütze are often impressive, large objects. Neutral 'things' often take "das".

For the Meaning: The word "Geschütz" sounds very similar to the German word "geschützt" (protected). You use a Geschütz to protect yourself or an area (or to attack, which can also be a form of protecting one's interests).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Das Geschoß / Das Geschoss: The projectile fired from the Geschütz. Not the weapon itself!
• Der Schütze: The person operating a rifle or similar weapon (marksman, shooter), not necessarily a large gun crew member.

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Warum hat der alte Kanonier seinen Job gekündigt? – Er fand die Arbeit zu eintönig, es war immer derselbe alte Knall!

EN: Why did the old cannoneer quit his job? – He found the work too monotonous, it was always the same old bang!

📜 Poem about a Geschütz

DE:
Aus Eisen schwer, das stolze Geschütz,
Ein stummer Wächter, bietet Schutz.
Sein Rohr zeigt weit ins Land hinein,
Einst Donnerhall, jetzt nur noch Schein.

Die Zeit verrinnt, der Rost nun nagt,
Wo einst Gefahr und Kampf gewagt.
Die Vögel nisten ohne Bangen,
Wo einst die lauten Schüsse klangen.

EN:
Of iron heavy, the proud gun (das Geschütz),
A silent guardian, offers defense (Schutz).
Its barrel points far into the land,
Once thunderous roar, now just a stand.

Time passes by, rust now does bite,
Where once was danger and the fight.
The birds now nest without a fear,
Where once the loud shots sounded clear.

🕵️‍♀️ Little Riddle

DE:
Ich habe einen großen Mund, doch spreche nie ein Wort.
Ich werfe Dinge weit von hier an einen fernen Ort.
Man fürchtet meinen Donnerhall, im Krieg bin ich bekannt.
Ich steh oft auf 'ner Mauer oder tief im Sand.

Was bin ich? ... Das Geschütz

EN:
I have a large mouth, but never speak a word.
I throw things far from here to a distant place unheard (by me).
My thunderous roar is feared, in war I am well-known.
I often stand upon a wall or deeply in sand sown.

What am I? ... Das Geschütz (The gun/cannon)

ℹ️ Additional Info

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung): The word "Geschütz" is derived from the verb "schießen" (to shoot). The prefix "Ge-" often indicates a collective noun or the result of an action (comparable to Gebirge - mountain range, Gebäude - building). It is closely related to "das Geschoss" (projectile).

Cultural Significance (Kulturelle Bedeutung): Geschütze are often symbols of military power, but also of historical eras. Many cities or museums display old cannons as monuments or exhibits.