German word

Rauch

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁaʊ̯x/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsmoke

Example

Der Rauch verdeckte die Sonne.

The smoke obscured the sun.

Illustration for Rauch (smoke)

More examples

Bei dem Brand hing dichter Rauch über der Straße.

Because of the fire, thick smoke hung over the street.

Core concept

A visible veil from burning material spreads through the air, unlike clear water vapor from boiling.

Common phrases

  • dichter Rauch

    thick smoke

  • in Rauch aufgehen

    go up in smoke

Similar words

Dampf: A white haze formed when water or another liquid turns into gas through heating.
Tabakrauch: Smoke from burning tobacco, often containing strong odors and harmful substances.
Abgas: Exhaust released by vehicles or factories, containing soot and harmful substances.
Brandrauch: Dense, often dark smoke from a fire that may contain poisonous gases.

Definition in German

Sichtbare, bei Verbrennung auftretende Mischung aus Gasen und feinen Partikeln, die als Nebel oder Wolke aufsteigt.

Word origin

The German noun Rauch developed from Old High German rouh through Middle High German rou(ch) and belongs to an inherited Germanic word family including rauchen.

Usage tips

  • German normally uses Dampf for steam, while Rauch refers to particles and gases produced by burning, such as cigarette or fire smoke.

Opposites

  • Rauchfreiheitsmoke-free statenoun

Related words

  • rauchensmokeverb
  • Rauchmeldersmoke detectornoun
  • rauchigsmokyadjective

Word lists with this word