das
Luftgewehr
🎯 What exactly is a Luftgewehr?
A Luftgewehr (article: das) is a type of rifle that fires projectiles (usually pellets or BBs) using compressed air or another gas. Unlike firearms, no combustion takes place.
It is often used for sporting purposes (target shooting), pest control, or as a recreational activity. The energy and range are generally significantly lower than those of firearms.
⚠️ In Germany, Luftgewehre are subject to specific legal regulations (Waffengesetz - Weapons Act) depending on their muzzle energy.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Luftgewehr
The noun "Luftgewehr" is neuter. It is used with the article das.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Luftgewehr |
| Genitive | des | Luftgewehrs / Luftgewehres |
| Dative | dem | Luftgewehr / Luftgewehre |
| Accusative | das | Luftgewehr |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Luftgewehre |
| Genitive | der | Luftgewehre |
| Dative | den | Luftgewehren |
| Accusative | die | Luftgewehre |
Example Sentences
- Er hat ein neues Luftgewehr zum Geburtstag bekommen. (He got a new air rifle for his birthday.)
- Das Schießen mit dem Luftgewehr erfordert Konzentration. (Shooting with the air rifle requires concentration.)
- Die Jugendlichen übten auf dem Schießstand mit ihren Luftgewehren. (The teenagers practiced with their air rifles at the shooting range.)
- Die Präzision dieses Luftgewehrs ist beeindruckend. (The precision of this air rifle is impressive.)
💨 When to use "Luftgewehr"?
The term Luftgewehr is used specifically for rifles that operate using air or gas pressure.
- Sport: In the context of shooting clubs and competitions (e.g., Olympic air rifle shooting).
- Recreation: For target shooting in the garden or suitable areas (observing legal regulations).
- Hunting/Pest Control: In some countries and under certain conditions, for hunting small animals or pest control.
It is important to distinguish das Luftgewehr from firearms (like das Gewehr in general, die Flinte - shotgun, die Büchse - rifle), as these are based on the combustion of propellants and usually require a license.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic: Think of das Gewehr (rifle). Many weapons or tools ending in "-wehr" or "-zeug" are neuter (das Gewehr, das Werkzeug - tool, das Fahrzeug - vehicle). So, it's also: das Luftgewehr.
Meaning Mnemonic: It shoots with Luft (air) and looks like a Gewehr (rifle) – simple: a Luftgewehr!
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Luftdruckgewehr: Very similar meaning, emphasizes the pressure aspect.
- Windbüchse: Older, less common term.
- Pressluftgewehr: Specific type using pre-compressed air (PCP).
- CO2-Gewehr: Specific type using CO2 cartridges.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Feuerwaffe: (Firearm) - General term for weapons firing via combustion.
- Schusswaffe (allgemein): (Firearm/Gun generally) - Umbrella term that includes air rifles but often used in the context of firearms.
- Flinte/Büchse: (Shotgun/Rifle) - Specific types of firearms.
🚨 Be careful not to confuse it with Luftpistole (air pistol), which is a shorter handgun using air pressure.
😄 A Little Joke
Warum hat das Luftgewehr beim Wettkampf schlecht geschossen?
Es stand unter zu viel Druck! 😉
(Why did the air rifle shoot poorly in the competition? - It was under too much pressure! 😄 *A pun, as "Druck" means both physical pressure and stress/pressure)*
📜 A Poem about the Luftgewehr
Ein Zischen leis', kein lauter Knall,
die Kugel fliegt durchs Luftgewehr,
trifft still ins Ziel, im freien Fall,
Präzision gefällt ihm sehr.
Mit Druckluft wird es angetrieben,
für Sport und Spaß ist es beliebt,
hat Regeln, die sind festgeschrieben,
weil's doch 'ne Waffe ist und gibt.
(A soft hiss, no loud bang,
the pellet flies through the air rifle,
hits the target silently, in free fall,
it likes precision very much.
It's driven by compressed air,
for sport and fun it is popular,
has rules that are firmly written,
because it is, after all, a weapon.)
❓ Little Riddle
Ich habe einen Lauf, doch renne nicht.
Ich schieße, doch ohne Pulverlicht.
Mit Luft geb' ich den Kugeln Schwung.
Was bin ich für ein Ding?
(I have a barrel, but I don't run.
I shoot, but without powder light.
With air, I give the pellets momentum.
What kind of thing am I?)
Solution: Das Luftgewehr (The air rifle)
🧩 Other Interesting Details
Word Composition
The word "Luftgewehr" is a compound noun, composed of:
- Die Luft: (The air) - Refers to the propulsion method (compressed air or gas).
- Das Gewehr: (The rifle) - Denotes the form and function as a long gun.
Legal Aspects (Germany)
Air rifles with a muzzle energy up to 7.5 Joules can be freely purchased in Germany by individuals aged 18 and over (marked with an "F in a pentagon"). More powerful air rifles are considered firearms requiring a license (erlaubnispflichtig).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Luftgewehr?
The German word "Luftgewehr" is a neuter noun and always takes the article das (das Luftgewehr, des Luftgewehrs, dem Luftgewehr, das Luftgewehr). It refers to a rifle that fires projectiles using air pressure.