German word

Luft

Pronunciation

IPA/lʊft/

Meaning

  • feminine nounair

Example

Die Qualität der Luft in der Stadt ist oft schlecht.

The air quality in the city is often poor.

Illustration for Luft (air)

More examples

Ich gehe kurz raus, um frische Luft zu schnappen.

I'm stepping outside for a moment to get some fresh air.

Core concept

The invisible medium surrounding people and landscapes, entering the lungs and moving through the sky.

Common phrases

  • frische Luft

    fresh air

  • saubere Luft

    clean air

  • die Luft anhalten

    hold one's breath

Similar words

Atem: One intake or release of breath, or the physical act of breathing.
Wind: Air in motion that can be felt outside, especially as a breeze.
Frischluft: Fresh outdoor air with little pollution, valued for airing rooms or feeling refreshed.
Abgas: Polluting exhaust from vehicles, factories, or other sources of combustion.

Definition in German

Gasförmige Mischung der Atmosphäre, die das Atmen ermöglicht und Wetterabläufe beeinflusst.

Word origin

Luft continues Old High German luft and belongs to a Germanic word family that includes English loft and Dutch lucht.

Usage tips

  • Luft is usually an uncountable feminine noun, so ordinary physical use has die Luft but not a regular plural.

Other meanings

  • atmospherenoun

Related words

  • lüftenair outverb
  • Luftballonballoonnoun
  • luftigairyadjective

Word lists with this word