German Conversation · Level 41
72 words
German word
Lärm
Pronunciation
IPA/lɛʁm/
Meaning
- masculine nounnoise
Example
Der Lärm im Büro ist unerträglich.
The noise in the office is unbearable.
More examples
Wegen des Lärms kann Mia die Lehrerin nicht hören.
Because of the noise, Mia can't hear the teacher.
Die Nachbarn machen nachts viel Lärm.
The neighbors make a lot of noise at night.
Core concept
Repeated loud sounds fill the surroundings until the whole place feels offensively noisy rather than merely audible.
Common phrases
lauter Lärm
loud noise
Lärm machen
make noise
Similar words
Geräusch: A short, isolated sound heard on one occasion.
Krach: A harsh sound that is exceptionally loud and unpleasant.
Lautstärke: How loud or quiet a sound is.
Ruhestörung: Disturbing noise that disrupts peace in shared or public surroundings.
Definition in German
Lärm bezeichnet lauten, störenden Schall und meint dabei meist anhaltende oder wiederkehrende Geräusche, nicht einzelne leichte Töne.
Word origin
The modern noun Lärm continues Middle High German lerm, also found in the related form larmen, for noisy disturbance.
Usage tips
- German uses Lärm for unwanted noise, while a neutral individual sound is more often called ein Geräusch.