die
Feuerpause
🎯 What does 'die Feuerpause' mean?
The German noun die Feuerpause (feminine) refers to a temporary cessation of hostilities or gunfire between opposing parties. It's commonly known in English as a ceasefire.
It signifies a temporary stop ('Pause') of the 'Feuer' (fire, shooting). It is generally shorter and less formal than an armistice (der Waffenstillstand).
Because 'Pause' is feminine (die Pause), the compound noun 'Feuerpause' is also feminine.
🚨 Important: Do not confuse it with permanent peace!
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📚 Grammar of 'die Feuerpause' in Detail
'Feuerpause' is a feminine noun. The definite article is die.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Feuerpause |
| Genitive | der | Feuerpause |
| Dative | der | Feuerpause |
| Accusative | die | Feuerpause |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Feuerpausen |
| Genitive | der | Feuerpausen |
| Dative | den | Feuerpausen |
| Accusative | die | Feuerpausen |
Example Sentences
- Die beiden Konfliktparteien einigten sich auf eine Feuerpause.
(The two warring parties agreed on a ceasefire.) - Während der Feuerpause konnten Hilfsgüter geliefert werden.
(During the ceasefire, aid supplies could be delivered.) - Man hofft, dass die Feuerpause zu weiteren Verhandlungen führt.
(It is hoped that the ceasefire will lead to further negotiations.) - Die Einhaltung der Feuerpause wird international überwacht.
(The observance of the ceasefire is monitored internationally.)
🗣️ How to use 'Feuerpause'?
The term 'Feuerpause' is primarily used in military and political contexts.
- Military/Conflict: Describing a temporary halt in fighting (e.g., eine humanitäre Feuerpause - a humanitarian ceasefire).
- Politics/Diplomacy: Often the result of negotiations to enable talks or de-escalate a situation.
- Figurative Meaning: Less commonly, it can be used metaphorically for a break in a heated argument or dispute.
Difference to 'Waffenstillstand': A Feuerpause is often shorter-term and less formally agreed upon than a Waffenstillstand (der Waffenstillstand - armistice), which usually lasts longer and is often a step towards ending a war.
🧠 Mnemonics for Feuerpause
For the article 'die': Think of die Pause (the break/pause). Many nouns ending in '-e' that denote abstract concepts or states are feminine in German. A 'Feuerpause' is a type of 'Pause', so it's 'die'.
For the meaning: Imagine the Feuer (fire, shooting) taking a Pause. Simple: Fire + Pause = break in shooting = ceasefire.
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- die Waffenruhe: (Truce) Very similar, often used interchangeably.
- die Gefechtspause: (Lull in fighting) Emphasizes the interruption of a specific battle.
- der Waffenstillstand: (Armistice) Often longer-term and more formal than a Feuerpause.
- die Kampfpause: (Combat break) General interruption of combat.
⚠️ Similar Words: Be careful with 'Waffenstillstand', as it often implies a longer duration and greater significance.
😂 A Little Joke
German:
Fragt der General den Soldaten: "Gibt es Neuigkeiten von der Front?"
Antwortet der Soldat: "Ja, Herr General, gute und schlechte. Die gute Nachricht: Der Feind hat eine Feuerpause vorgeschlagen!"
General: "Und die schlechte?"
Soldat: "Sie wollen sie mit echtem Feuer feiern..." 🔥
English Translation:
The general asks the soldier: "Any news from the front?"
The soldier replies: "Yes, General, good and bad. The good news: The enemy has proposed a ceasefire!"
General: "And the bad news?"
Soldier: "They want to celebrate it with actual fire..." 🔥
📜 Poem about Silence
German:
Wo Kugeln flogen, laut und grell,
liegt Stille nun, fast irreal.
Die Waffen ruh'n, ein kurzer Schein,
die Feuerpause kehrt nun ein.
Ein Atemholen in dem Streit,
für Frieden eine kurze Zeit.
Doch Hoffnung keimt, so zart und klein,
dass Stille möge länger sein.
English Translation:
Where bullets flew, loud and glaring,
Silence now lies, almost surreal.
The weapons rest, a brief illusion,
The ceasefire now makes its intrusion.
A breath to take amidst the strife,
For peace, a fleeting moment's life.
But hope sprouts, so tender and small,
That silence might outlast the call.
🤔 Little Riddle
German:
Ich bringe Stille, wo Lärm regiert,
doch bin oft kurz und schnell passiert.
Soldaten legen Waffen nieder dann,
damit man reden oder helfen kann.
Was bin ich?
English Translation:
I bring silence where noise holds sway,
But often I'm brief and quickly pass away.
Soldiers then lay their weapons down,
So talks can start or aid be found.
What am I?
(Answer: die Feuerpause / a ceasefire)
🧩 Other Details about Feuerpause
Word Composition: The word 'Feuerpause' is a compound noun, composed of:
Context: The term gained particular prominence in the 20th century with modern warfare and the efforts of international organizations for de-escalation and humanitarian aid in conflict zones.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Feuerpause?
The German word 'Feuerpause' is feminine. The correct article is die Feuerpause. It describes a temporary halt in fighting, known as a ceasefire in English.