21 December 2025
How do you say sword in German?
The German word for sword is das Schwert.Schwert in German is used in literal and symbolic contexts - whether you’re reading about knights, watching a film, or discussing sharp decisions. It’s a classic word that still feels relevant.
And yes, it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German (grab the illustrated PDF and dive deeper).
Gender and Pronunciation
It’s a neuter noun: das Schwert.Want to lock in genders more easily? This video lesson teaches patterns that really work.
Pronunciation: Schwert is pronounced [ʃveːɐ̯t]. Start with sh plus v, then a long, steady e with a lightly vocalized r, ending in t. It is only roughly like English air, rather
-
than an exact American-English rhyme.
Example sentences
Der Ritter zog sein Schwert.
The knight drew his sword.
Das Schwert glänzt in der Sonne.
The sword shines in the sun.
Worte können schärfer sein als ein Schwert.
Words can be sharper than a sword.
How does this word come up in real conversations?
“Im Film hatte sie ein magisches Schwert.”
In the movie, she had a magical sword.
“Das Schwert ist ein Symbol für Macht.”
The sword is a symbol of power.
“Er sammelte antike Schwerter.”
He collected antique swords.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Leo: Was ist dein Lieblingsobjekt im Museum?Anna: Das Schwert aus dem Mittelalter!Leo: Das war echt beeindruckend.Anna: Ich hätte gern so eins im Wohnzimmer!
Translation:Leo: What’s your favorite item in the museum?Anna: The medieval sword!Leo: That really was impressive.Anna: I’d love one like that in my living room!
Grammatical case examples
Nominative:Das Schwert ist alt und wertvoll.
The sword is old and valuable.
Accusative:Ich habe das Schwert fallen lassen.
I dropped the sword.
Dative:Mit dem Schwert kann man kämpfen.
You can fight with the sword.
Genitive:Die Klinge des Schwertes ist scharf.
The blade of the sword is sharp.
Other ways to say sword in German
While Schwert is the main word for sword in German, other terms appear in specialized contexts. Degen refers to a dueling sword (rapier), Säbel to a saber, and Klinge to the blade itself. In poetic or figurative speech, Schwert symbolizes justice, danger, or honor - especially in idioms and expressions.
Word variations and tidbits
Schwert appears in words like Langschwert (longsword), Kurzschwert (short sword), Zweihandschwert (two-handed sword), and Flammenschwert (flaming sword). You might see Schwertkampf (sword fighting), Schwertscheide (scabbard), or even Richtschwert (executioner’s sword). Idioms include ein zweischneidiges Schwert (a double-edged sword) and das Damoklesschwert (the sword of Damocles): Die Kündigung hängt wie ein Damoklesschwert über uns. (The threat of dismissal hangs over us like the sword of Damocles.) The proverb “the pen is mightier than the sword” is Die Feder ist mächtiger als das Schwert.
📘 Duden entry for Schwert🎥 Want to slice through German confusion? Our free video course teaches the top 1000 German nouns - with examples, tips, and a downloadable PDF.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?Do you know what Schwester means? She might defend you with a Schwert.And what about Seele? Sometimes, that’s what the Schwert is meant to protect.
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