German word

Dampf

Pronunciation

IPA/dampf/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsteam

Example

Aus dem Kessel steigt Dampf auf.

Steam is rising from the boiler.

Illustration for Dampf (steam)

More examples

Bevor er sich beruhigen konnte, musste er erst noch Dampf ablassen.

Before he could calm down, he first had to let off steam.

Core concept

Steam billowing upward from a heated vessel, sometimes visible as a white cloud and sometimes invisible.

Common phrases

  • Dampf ablassen

    let off steam

  • Voll Dampf voraus

    full steam ahead

  • im Dampf garen

    cook in steam

Similar words

Rauch: Hazy emissions from fire that contain odors and dark particles.
Nebel: A broad, dense blanket of mist formed from tiny water droplets.
Dunst: A faint, short-lived haze consisting of moisture or fine particles.
Wasserdampf: The clear vapor created as water changes into gas, normally unseen.

Definition in German

Dampf bezeichnet den gasförmigen Zustand von Wasser, der beim Kochen oder Erhitzen entsteht.

Word origin

The German noun Dampf continues Old High German dampf and Middle High German dampf, forms related to the Germanic word family that also includes English damp.

Usage tips

  • The phrase Dampf ablassen literally means to let off steam and is also used figuratively for expressing anger or frustration.

Other meanings

  • vapornoun

Related words

  • dampfensteamverb
  • Dampfmaschinesteam enginenoun
  • Dampfgarersteamernoun

Word lists with this word