German word

Schadstoff

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃaːtˌʃtɔf/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpollutant

Example

Im Fluss wurden Schadstoffe gefunden.

Pollutants were found in the river.

Illustration for Schadstoff (pollutant)

More examples

Bei unsachgemäßer Lagerung können Schadstoffe in den Boden gelangen.

Due to improper storage, pollutants can enter the soil.

Core concept

A substance that does not belong in its surroundings because it can cause harm there.

Common phrases

  • Nachweis von Schadstoffen

    detection of pollutants

  • akute Gefahr durch Schadstoffe

    acute danger from pollutants

Similar words

Giftstoff: A toxic substance that causes poisoning or severe harm when touched or consumed.
Chemikalie: A chemical substance used for industrial or household purposes.
Verunreinigung: A substance or dirt that contaminates and spoils something or a place.
Kontaminant: An undesirable substance that enters food, soil, or another material.

Definition in German

Ein Stoff, der in die Umwelt oder in Lebewesen gelangt und dort schädliche Wirkungen hervorruft.

Word origin

Schadstoff is a German compound of Schaden, harm, and Stoff, substance, with the first element specifying the material's harmful effect.

Usage tips

  • German often uses Schadstoff with a specifying noun such as Luftschadstoff or Schadstoffbelastung.

Other meanings

  • harmful substancenoun

Opposites

  • Unschädlichkeitharmlessnessnoun

Related words

  • Schadstoffquellepollutant sourcenoun
  • schadstoffbelastetcontaminated with pollutantsadjective

Word lists with this word