German word

Feuerwehr

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɔɪ̯ɐˌveːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • feminine nounfire department

Example

Die Feuerwehr kam schnell.

The fire department arrived quickly.

Illustration for Feuerwehr (fire department)

More examples

Wir müssen die Feuerwehr rufen.

We must call the fire department.

Core concept

A trained public-service team responds to fires and other emergencies, combining firefighting with rescue work.

Common phrases

  • die Feuerwehr rufen

    call the fire department

  • zur Feuerwehr gehen

    go to the fire station

Similar words

Feuerwache: A building where fire engines and firefighters are stationed.
Feuerwehrmann: A professional who puts out fires and carries out rescue work.
Rettungsdienst: A service that transports sick or injured people for emergency medical care.
Brand: A fire involving burning objects or buildings.

Definition in German

Feuerwehr bezeichnet eine Berufs- oder Freiwilligengruppe, die Brände beseitigt und Rettungsdienste leistet.

Word origin

The German compound Feuerwehr joins Feuer, "fire," with Wehr, "defense," and originally describes defense against fire.

Usage tips

  • The organization is Feuerwehr, while a station or firehouse is usually Feuerwehrwache or Feuerwehrhaus; Feuerwehr does not specifically mean the building.

Other meanings

  • fire stationnoun

Related words

  • Feuerwehrmannfirefighternoun
  • Feuerwehreinsatzfirefighting operationnoun

Word lists with this word