German word

Duft

Pronunciation

IPA/dʊft/

Meaning

  • masculine nounscent

Example

Der Duft von frischem Kaffee ist stark.

The scent of fresh coffee is strong.

Illustration for Duft (scent)

More examples

Nach dem Regen stieg ein blumiger Duft in die Luft.

After the rain, a floral scent rose into the air.

Core concept

A pleasant invisible trail in the air leads from coffee, flowers, perfume, or fresh food to the nose.

Common phrases

  • ein blumiger Duft

    a floral scent

  • ein intensiver Duft

    an intense scent

Similar words

Geruch: A neutral smell coming from an object or place.
Aroma: A pleasant fragrance especially noticed in food or drinks.
Parfüm: A scented product applied to the body or clothing for enjoyment.
Gestank: A strong, unpleasant smell caused by decay, dirt, or similar sources.

Definition in German

Duft ist ein angenehmer Geruch, der oft von Blumen, Parfüm oder frischen Lebensmitteln ausgeht.

Word origin

Duft is an inherited Germanic noun, recorded in Middle High German as duft and related to the verb duften for giving off a pleasant smell.

Usage tips

  • Duft usually has a positive or appreciative sense, while Geruch is neutral and Gestank refers to an unpleasant smell.

Other meanings

  • smellnoun
  • fragrancenoun

Opposites

  • Gestankstenchnoun
  • Duftlosigkeitscentlessnessnoun

Related words

  • Duftnotefragrance notenoun
  • duftensmellverb
  • Duftlosigkeitscentlessnessnoun

Word lists with this word