das  Gewehr

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈveːɐ̯/

🎯 What exactly is 'ein Gewehr'?

Das Gewehr (noun, neuter) refers to a long firearm that is fired from the shoulder. It's a typical small arm primarily used in the military, for hunting, or in shooting sports.

It differs from short firearms like pistols (Pistolen) due to its long barrel (langer Lauf) and shoulder stock (Schulterschaft), which allow for higher precision over longer distances.

🚨 Attention: Although colloquially any firearm might sometimes be called a "Gewehr", the term technically correctly refers only to long guns.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Corner: Das Gewehr

The word "Gewehr" is a noun of the neuter gender. The article is das. Here are the declension tables:

💡 Example Sentences

1. Der Soldat reinigte sein Gewehr sorgfältig.
   (The soldier cleaned his rifle carefully.)
2. Der Jäger zielte mit seinem Gewehr auf das Wild.
   (The hunter aimed at the game with his rifle.)
3. Im Museum sind historische Gewehre ausgestellt.
   (Historical rifles are exhibited in the museum.)
4. Das Geräusch des fallenden Gewehrs hallte durch den Raum.
   (The sound of the falling rifle echoed through the room. - Genitive)
5. Mit dem neuen Gewehr trifft er viel besser.
   (He shoots much better with the new rifle. - Dative)

🌍 Using 'das Gewehr': When and Where?

The term das Gewehr is used in specific contexts:

• Military & Police (Militär & Polizei): Standard equipment for soldiers and certain police units (e.g., Sturmgewehr - assault rifle, Scharfschützengewehr - sniper rifle).
• Hunting (Jagd): Special hunting rifles (Jagdgewehre) are used for hunting various types of game.
• Sports (Sport): In shooting sports (Schießsport), there are disciplines using air rifles (Luftgewehre) or small-bore rifles (Kleinkalibergewehre).
• History (Geschichte): Used in historical contexts to describe weapons of past eras.

Distinction from similar terms:

• Flinte: Often used synonymously, but strictly speaking refers to a rifle with a smooth bore (shotgun - Schrotflinte).
• Büchse: A more traditional or hunting term for a rifle with a rifled barrel.
• Karabiner: A shorter version of a rifle, originally for cavalry units.
• Pistole/Revolver: Handguns that can be operated with one hand.

🧠 Memory Hooks for 'das Gewehr'

Remembering the Article 'das':

Imagine: DAS big, heavy thing – das Gewehr – is leaning neutrally against the wall. Neutral things often take 'das'. Or think of 'das Instrument' - a rifle is also a kind of tool or instrument (albeit a dangerous one). Also, many technical objects or tools in German are neuter ('das Werkzeug', 'das Gerät').

Remembering the Meaning 'Gewehr':

Think of the English word "gear" (like military gear) - it sounds a bit like "Gewehr". Or connect it to the German word "Wehr" which means defense (like in Bundeswehr - Federal Defense). A Ge-wehr was originally a collection of defensive arms.

🔄 Words Alike and Opposite

Synonyms (similar meaning):

• Büchse: Often used in a hunting context.
• Flinte: Strictly speaking for smoothbore guns (shotguns), but often used more generally.
• Karabiner: Shorter version of a rifle.
• Schießgewehr: Emphasizes the function (shooting rifle).
• (Colloquial/dated): Knarre, Schießeisen (⚠️ often have negative connotations)

Antonyms (opposing concepts):

Direct antonyms for objects like 'Gewehr' are rare. However, one can mention opposing concepts:

• Schild (shield): A defensive weapon (passive) vs. an offensive weapon (active).
• Frieden / Abrüstung (peace / disarmament): Concepts opposing the existence and use of weapons.
• Kurzwaffe (handgun, e.g., Pistole, Revolver): As a distinction within firearms.

🚨 Potential for Confusion:

• Geweih: Antlers of a deer (sounds similar).
• Wehr: A weir or dam in a river; or generally defense/army (e.g., Bundeswehr).

😂 A Shot of Humor

Fragt der Schießlehrer den neuen Rekruten: "Na, wie war Ihr erster Schuss mit dem Gewehr?"
Antwortet der Rekrut: "Ganz gut, aber warum haben Sie die Zielscheibe so weit weggestellt?"

(The shooting instructor asks the new recruit: "Well, how was your first shot with the rifle?"
The recruit answers: "Pretty good, but why did you put the target so far away?")

📜 Poetic Aim

Das Gewehr

Aus Stahl geformt, mit langem Lauf,
liegt schwer in Händen, nimmt's in Kauf.
Das Gewehr, präzis und kühl,
erzeugt ein ganz besond'res Gefühl.

Im Wald zur Jagd, am Schießstand klar,
man zielt genau, das ist doch wahr.
Mit Ruh' und Konzentration,
erreicht der Schuss die Zielregion.

The Rifle

Made of steel, with barrel long,
Lies heavy in hands, where it belongs.
The rifle, precise and cool,
Creates a feeling, breaks the rule.

In woods for hunt, at shooting range bright,
One aims precisely, with all might.
With calm and focus, steady hand,
The shot will reach the target land.

🤔 A Riddle to Target

Ich habe einen Schaft, doch laufe nicht.
Ich habe einen Lauf, doch sprinte nicht.
Ich werde geladen, doch bin kein Akku.
Man zielt mit mir, doch bin kein Kompass-Clou.

Was bin ich? (... Das Gewehr)

I have a stock, but do not walk.
I have a barrel, but do not sprint.
I get loaded, but am not a battery.
People take aim with me, but I'm no compass hint.

What am I?
(... The rifle / das Gewehr)

🧐 More About 'das Gewehr'

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word "Gewehr" is composed of the prefix Ge- and the noun Wehr. The prefix Ge- often indicates collection or intensification. "Wehr" means defense, resistance, or weapon (cf. "sich zur Wehr setzen" - to defend oneself, "Bundeswehr" - Federal Defense Force). Originally, "Gewehr" thus referred to a collection of defensive weapons or the entire armament. Later, the meaning specialized to the long gun known today.

Trivia:

• The first truly functional rifle with a rifled barrel (Büchse), allowing for greater accuracy, was developed as early as the 15th century.
• Famous historical rifle models like the Mauser K98k or the Kalashnikov AK-47 have made history (haben Geschichte geschrieben).