der  Krieg

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kʁiːk/

📜 What does "der Krieg" mean?

Der Krieg is the German word for war. It refers to an organized, violent conflict between states, groups, or peoples, carried out using military means. It's a state of armed combat, the opposite of *Frieden* (peace).

Figuratively, *Krieg* can also describe a fierce argument, confrontation, or intense competition (e.g., *Preiskrieg* - price war, *Rosenkrieg* - often used for bitter divorce battles, literally 'war of the roses'). However, the primary meaning is military conflict.

🚨 Note: The word carries a very serious connotation and should be used accordingly.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar Deep Dive: "der Krieg"

"Krieg" is a masculine noun, so it uses the article *der*. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Krieg dauerte viele Jahre.
   (The war lasted many years.)
2. Die Schrecken des Krieges sind unvorstellbar.
   (The horrors of war are unimaginable.)
3. Viele Menschen litten unter dem Krieg / Kriege.
   (Many people suffered under the war.)
4. Man muss den Krieg verhindern.
   (One must prevent war.)
5. Die beiden Länder führten viele Kriege gegeneinander.
   (The two countries waged many wars against each other.)

💡 How to use "der Krieg"?

*Der Krieg* is mainly used in the context of military conflicts:

• Historical/Political: Describing armed conflicts (e.g., der Zweite Weltkrieg - the Second World War, ein Bürgerkrieg - a civil war).
• Figurative: For intense confrontations or competitive struggles (e.g., ein Preiskrieg zwischen Supermärkten - a price war between supermarkets, der Rosenkrieg bei einer Scheidung - a bitter divorce battle).
• Abstract: As a general concept of armed conflict (e.g., die Gefahr eines Krieges - the danger of a war).

Distinction from similar terms:

• Konflikt (der): A general term for a conflict, not necessarily military.
• Kampf (der): Can refer to a single battle or a non-military struggle (e.g., *Wahlkampf* - election campaign).
• Streit (der): Usually a verbal argument between individuals or small groups.

While the figurative use is common, the primary, serious meaning often resonates.

🧠 Memory Aids for "der Krieg"

Article Mnemonic: Think of *der General* or *der Soldat* – masculine figures often associated with war (*Krieg*). It's der Krieg.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word *Krieg* sounds short, harsh, and destructive in German – like the concept it describes. Imagine something shattering when you hear the word *Krieg*, like the shattering impact of *war*.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for "der Krieg"

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words

• Krug (der): (Jug, pitcher) - A vessel for drinking (sounds vaguely similar).
• kriegen (verb): (to get, to receive) - Can sound similar in some dialects.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Warum nehmen Skelette nicht am Krieg teil?
Weil sie nicht das nötige Rückgrat haben! 😉

English: Why don't skeletons participate in war?
Because they don't have the backbone for it! 😉

📜 Poem about War

Der Krieg, ein Wort so kalt und schwer,
bringt Leid und Elend, Jahr für Jahr.
Zerstört die Heimat, trennt die Herzen,
hinterlässt nur Trümmer, tiefe Schmerzen.

Wo Waffen sprechen, Schweigen Lieder,
die Menschlichkeit, sie sinkt darnieder.
Mög' Frieden blühen, stark und rein,
soll nie mehr Krieg die Antwort sein.

(Translation)
War, a word so cold and grave,
brings suffering and misery, year by year it gave.
Destroys the homeland, tears hearts apart,
leaves only ruins, a deep, aching heart.

Where weapons speak, songs fall silent,
humanity itself sinks down, non-compliant.
May peace blossom, strong and pure,
let war never be the answer anymore.

❓ Riddle

German:
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch brülle laut durch Waffen.
Ich habe keine Hände, doch kann ganze Länder erschaffen – oder zerschlagen.
Ich bringe Helden hervor und Monster zugleich.
Man wünscht mich nie herbei, doch komme ich oft über Nacht und Reich.

Was bin ich? → Der Krieg

English:
I have no voice, yet roar loudly through weapons.
I have no hands, yet can create – or shatter – entire nations.
I bring forth heroes and monsters alike.
I am never wished for, yet I often arrive overnight, affecting the rich and poor (realm).r/>
What am I? → War (der Krieg)

🌐 More Info about "der Krieg"

Compound Words (Komposita):

*Krieg* is part of many compound nouns that describe specific types or aspects of war:

• Weltkrieg (der): World War (e.g., *der Erste Weltkrieg* - WWI, *der Zweite Weltkrieg* - WWII).
• Bürgerkrieg (der): Civil War (a war within a single country).
• Wirtschaftskrieg (der): Economic War (conflict using economic means).
• Kriegserklärung (die): Declaration of War.
• Kriegsverbrechen (das): War crime.
• Nachkriegszeit (die): Post-war period.

Etymology: The word *Krieg* derives from the Old High German *krēg*, which originally meant 'stubbornness', 'effort', and later evolved to mean 'dispute', 'fight'.