Dictionary
Gewehr
German → American English
American English
gun
eine Schusswaffe mit langem Lauf, meist ein Gewehr oder eine Rifle
Der Jäger trug ein Gewehr über der Schulter.Gewehr is usually a rifle or long gun, not a handgun. For a general “gun,” German often uses Waffe or, depending on context, Pistole for a handgun.
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Gewehr” mean in English?
It usually means “rifle” or “long gun” in English. In some contexts, people may loosely translate it as “gun.”
Is “Gewehr” the same as “Pistole”?
No. A Gewehr is a rifle or long gun, while a Pistole is a handgun.
Can “Gewehr” mean “weapon”?
Not exactly. The broader German word for “weapon” is Waffe. Gewehr refers more specifically to a rifle or firearm.