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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
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
Schneesturm is the general term for a strong storm with snow. Blizzard is usually used for a particularly severe snowstorm with persistently strong winds and very poor visibility. The distinction is not always clear-cut, but Blizzard emphasizes the extreme severity.
Blizzard
Der Blizzard tobte die ganze Nacht mit heftigem Wind und fast ohne Sicht.
The blizzard raged all night with strong winds and almost no visibility.
Schneesturm
Der Schneesturm brachte am Abend starken Wind und schlechte Sicht.
The snowstorm brought strong winds and poor visibility that evening.
In real life
Loading video examples...