01
der Blizzard
blizzard
A very strong snowstorm with violent wind, heavy snowfall, and often very poor visibility.
example
Der Blizzard legte den gesamten Verkehr in der Stadt lahm.
The blizzard brought all traffic in the city to a standstill.
der Blizzard
blizzard
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Meanings
Usage tips
English loanword
The word 'Blizzard' (blizzard) was taken directly from English. It is therefore often used to describe especially extreme snowstorms, often those known from North America.
EXAMPLE
Die Nachrichten warnten vor einem herannahenden Blizzard.
The news warned of an approaching blizzard.
Intensity of meaning
A 'Blizzard' (blizzard) is not just heavy snowfall. The word describes a combination of three elements: strong wind, dense snowfall, and extremely poor visibility.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der schlechten Sicht konnten wir im Blizzard kaum die Hand vor Augen sehen.
Because of the poor visibility, we could barely see our hand in front of our face in the blizzard.
Typical verbs
In connection with a blizzard, verbs are often used that describe a powerful, uncontrollable force of nature. Typical phrases are 'ein Blizzard zieht auf' (a blizzard is moving in), 'tobt' (rages), or 'legt das Leben lahm' (brings life to a standstill).
EXAMPLE
Der Blizzard tobte zwei Tage lang über der Region.
The blizzard raged across the region for two days.
Compare with
Blizzard vs Schneesturm
snowstorm
'Blizzard' and 'Schneesturm' both mean a strong storm with snow, wind, and poor visibility. 'Schneesturm' is the normal German word and fits in almost all everyday situations. 'Blizzard' sounds more specific and often more dramatic; it is used especially for a very severe snowstorm. The words can easily be confused because in many situations they describe the same weather. As a simple guide: in normal conversation, 'Schneesturm' is usually more natural; for an extremely strong storm, 'Blizzard' can also fit.
Blizzard
Wegen eines Blizzards musste der Flughafen mehrere Flüge streichen.
Because of a blizzard, the airport had to cancel several flights.
Schneesturm
Der Schneesturm war so stark, dass wir das Auto stehen ließen.
The snowstorm was so strong that we left the car behind.
In real life
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