German word

rauchen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁaʊ̯xən/

Meaning

  • verbsmoke

Example

Er raucht nicht im Zug.

He does not smoke on the train.

Illustration for rauchen (smoke)

More examples

Sie hat letzten Monat aufgehört zu rauchen.

She stopped smoking last month.

Core concept

A lit cigarette, pipe, or similar item sends smoke through a person's mouth as the smoke is inhaled and exhaled.

Common phrases

  • eine Zigarette rauchen

    smoke a cigarette

  • aufhören zu rauchen

    stop smoking

  • in der Pause rauchen

    smoke during the break

Similar words

qualmen: To smoke heavily, with thick clouds of smoke.
dampfen: To use an electronic cigarette by inhaling its vapor.
paffen: To smoke a cigarette in brief, gentle puffs.

Definition in German

Zigaretten, Pfeifen oder andere Rauchwaren entzünden und den dabei entstehenden Rauch inhalieren oder ausstoßen

Word origin

Rauchen is a Germanic formation based on Rauch, smoke, with the Middle High German form rouchen preceding the modern verb.

Usage tips

  • In signs and notices, the capitalized form Rauchen is a substantivized infinitive, as in Rauchen verboten, meaning that smoking is prohibited.

Related words

Word lists with this word