lanze

Lanze is a term with multiple uses in German-speaking contexts. In its primary sense, it denotes a spear or polearm, a long shaft tipped with metal or sharpened point designed for thrusting. The word is rooted in older Germanic languages and shares connections with related terms in other European tongues for thrusting weapons.

As a weapon, the lanze historically played a central role in European warfare from antiquity through the early modern period. Spears of this type vary in length and construction but are typically designed to be held with two hands or one hand for mounted use. The primary purpose of the lanze is to extend reach and deliver thrusts while maintaining formation integrity in infantry or cavalry roles. In historical European martial arts, the spear and its variants are studied as part of the tradition of long-hafted weapons and their fighting techniques.

Beyond its martial meaning, Lanze also appears as a surname in some families and as a place-name element in German-speaking regions. In toponymy, such names often reflect historical associations with spear-making, military activity, or local terrain features, though specific origins can vary by locale. The term may also appear in literature, film, or other media as a reference to a weapon or symbol of frontline engagement.

Etymology and related terms: Lanze derives from older Germanic forms linked to the general concept of a thrusting weapon, with cognates in other languages describing spears and polearms. See also Lance, longspear, and other spear-related terms.