The Ultimate Glossary of German War Words41

The German language has a rich and complex vocabulary related to war and conflict, reflecting the country's long and often turbulent history. From the trenches of World War I to the devastation of World War II, the German language has borne witness to some of the most horrific and momentous events in human history. As a result, it has developed a vast array of words and phrases to describe the various aspects of war, from the weapons used to the strategies employed to the psychological and social consequences of armed conflict.

Weapons and Armaments
Gewehr - Rifle
Maschinengewehr - Machine gun
Pistole - Pistol
li>Granate - Grenade
Panzer - Tank
Geschütz - Artillery piece
Bombe - Bomb
Rakete - Rocket
Munition - Ammunition
Sprengstoff - Explosive

Military Units and Personnel
Soldat - Soldier
Offizier - Officer
General - General
Regiment - Regiment
Division - Division
Korps - Corps
Armee - Army
Luftwaffe - Air force
Marine - Navy
Heer - Army (specifically the ground forces)

Military Operations and Tactics
Angriff - Attack
Verteidigung - Defense
Strategie - Strategy
Taktik - Tactics
Manöver - Maneuver
Belagerung - Siege
Schlacht - Battle
Krieg - War
Frieden - Peace
Kapitulation - Surrender

Psychological and Social Effects of War
Trauma - Trauma
Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung - Post-traumatic stress disorder
Kriegserlebnis - War experience
Heimkehrer - Veteran
Kriegsverbrechen - War crime
Genozid - Genocide
Friedensbewegung - Peace movement
Antimilitarismus - Anti-militarism
Pazifismus - Pacifism
Völkerrecht - International law

Beyond the specific vocabulary of war, the German language also has a number of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms related to conflict. These expressions provide insight into the German psyche and the way that Germans have historically viewed war and violence.
Here are a few examples:

Den Krieg erklären - To declare war
Den Krieg gewinnen - To win the war
Den Krieg verlieren - To lose the war
Im Krieg sein - To be at war
Aus dem Krieg kommen - To come back from war
Vom Krieg gezeichnet sein - To be scarred by war
Krieg ist die Hölle - War is hell
Krieg ist kein Spiel - War is not a game
Krieg ist immer das letzte Mittel - War is always the last resort
Frieden ist das höchste Gut - Peace is the highest good

The German language's rich and nuanced vocabulary related to war reflects the country's complex and often tragic history. These words and phrases provide a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of peace.