German word

Geruch

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈʁʊx/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsmell

Example

Im Zimmer ist ein Geruch.

There is a smell in the room.

Illustration for Geruch (smell)

More examples

In der Küche breitete sich ein stechender Geruch aus.

A pungent smell spread through the kitchen.

Core concept

An invisible airborne trace reaches the nose and may seem pleasant, neutral, or unpleasant.

Common phrases

  • stechender Geruch

    pungent smell

  • modriger Geruch

    musty smell

  • einen Geruch bemerken

    notice a smell

Similar words

Duft: A light, agreeable fragrance released by flowers, soap, or similar sources.
Aroma: A characteristic fragrance that accompanies the flavor of coffee, wine, or similar foods and drinks.
Gestank: An extremely unpleasant odor associated with waste, decay, or similar sources.

Definition in German

Geruch ist die Wahrnehmung flüchtiger Stoffe durch die Nase.

Word origin

Geruch developed from Middle High German geruoch and is related to the German verb riechen, meaning to smell.

Usage tips

  • Geruch is masculine, with the definite article der and the plural Gerüche.

Other meanings

  • scentnoun
  • odornoun

Opposites

  • Geruchslosigkeitodorlessnessnoun

Related words

  • geruchlosodorlessadjective
  • Geruchsbelästigungsmell nuisancenoun
  • Geruchssinnsense of smellnoun

Word lists with this word