German Conversation · Level 53
72 words
German word
Welle
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈvɛlə/
Meaning
- feminine nounwave
Example
Am Strand sahen wir große Wellen.
We saw large waves at the beach.
More examples
Der Erfolg des Films löste eine Welle der Begeisterung aus.
The film's success triggered a wave of enthusiasm.
Core concept
A raised ridge moves across water and can also picture a sudden spread of events or feelings.
Common phrases
eine Welle der Begeisterung
a wave of enthusiasm
auf der Welle des Erfolgs reiten
ride the wave of success
hohe Wellen
high waves
Similar words
Woge: A large swell that rolls in toward the shore.
Brandung: The force and movement of waves breaking along the shore.
Strömung: A steady flow of water in one direction through a sea or river.
Definition in German
Eine sichtbare Erhebung der Wasseroberfläche, die sich wellenförmig fortbewegt; im übertragenen Sinn ein plötzliches, sich ausbreitendes Anwachsen von Ereignissen oder Gefühlen.
Word origin
Welle is an inherited Germanic noun, attested as Old High German wella and Middle High German welle, and related to German wallen, "to surge".
Usage tips
- Welle is feminine, so the article is die and the plural is Wellen.
Other meanings
- swellnoun
- surgenoun
Opposites
- Rückgangdeclinenoun
Related words
- welligwavyadjective
- Wellenbrecherbreakwaternoun