German word

Umweltverschmutzung

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊmˌvɛltfɛɐ̯ˌʃmʊtsʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounenvironmental pollution

Example

In vielen Städten nimmt die Umweltverschmutzung zu.

Environmental pollution is increasing in many cities.

Illustration for Umweltverschmutzung (environmental pollution)

More examples

Plastikmüll trägt erheblich zur Umweltverschmutzung bei.

Plastic waste contributes significantly to environmental pollution.

Core concept

A clean landscape is crossed by smoke, waste, and chemicals that spread through the surrounding world.

Common phrases

  • das Ausmaß der Umweltverschmutzung

    the extent of environmental pollution

  • Maßnahmen gegen Umweltverschmutzung

    measures against environmental pollution

Similar words

Luftverschmutzung: Harmful particles and gases pollute the air, often from vehicles and industry.
Wasserverschmutzung: Chemicals and waste contaminate rivers, lakes, and seas, making the water unsafe to use.
Verschmutzung: Dirt, waste, or harmful substances make an object or place unclean.
Umweltbelastung: Emissions and development put strain on nature and damage environmental conditions.

Definition in German

Umweltverschmutzung ist die Verunreinigung von Luft, Wasser und Boden durch Schadstoffe oder Abfälle.

Word origin

The compound joins Umwelt, the surrounding world or environment, with Verschmutzung, the process or result of making something dirty.

Usage tips

  • German often specifies the affected area in compounds such as Luftverschmutzung and Wasserverschmutzung instead of repeating the full general term.

Other meanings

  • contaminationnoun
  • pollutionnoun

Opposites

  • Sauberkeitcleanlinessnoun
  • Reinhaltungkeeping cleannoun

Related words

  • Verschmutzungsgradpollution levelnoun
  • verschmutztpollutedadjective

Word lists with this word