German Conversation · Level 5
89 words
German word
Donner
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈdɔnɐ/
Meaning
- masculine nounthunder
Example
Der Donner rollte in der Ferne.
Thunder rolled in the distance.
More examples
In der Nacht hörte sie einen Donner und blieb wach.
At night, she heard thunder and stayed awake.
Core concept
A heavy roar that arrives across the landscape after lightning has heated and expanded the air.
Common phrases
Donner und Blitz
thunder and lightning
ein dumpfer Donner
a dull rumble
Donner in der Nacht
thunder in the night
Similar words
Blitz: A sudden, powerful flash of light streaking across the sky.
Gewitter: A violent storm with thunder, heavy rain, and strong winds.
Definition in German
Natürlicher Schall bei Gewitter, verursacht durch die sehr schnelle Erwärmung und Ausdehnung der Luft nach einem Blitz.
Word origin
Donner is an inherited Germanic word, related to Old English þunor and modern English thunder.
Usage tips
- German often uses the impersonal phrase Es donnert for thunder, while Donner names the sound itself.