fire / brandy
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fire
An uncontrolled, destructive fire that often causes major damage.
Die Feuerwehr war die ganze Nacht im Einsatz, um den Brand im Wald zu löschen.
The fire department was on duty all night to put out the fire in the forest.
The noun 'der Brand' (fire) is derived directly from the verb 'brennen' (to burn). It describes the result or action of burning.
Das alte Lagerhaus ist komplett abgebrannt.
The old warehouse burned down completely.
The four meanings are very different. The context makes clear what is meant: 'Feuerwehr' (fire department) and 'löschen' (to put out) point to fire, 'Durst' (thirst) to the feeling, 'Flasche' (bottle) and 'trinken' (to drink) to alcohol, and 'Arzt' (doctor) or 'Bein' (leg) to the medical meaning.
Der Brand im Dachstuhl konnte schnell gelöscht werden.
The fire in the roof structure was put out quickly.
In connection with fire, there are fixed expressions. A fire can 'ausbrechen' (break out). Someone can intentionally 'einen Brand legen' (set a fire) or 'einen Brand stiften' (commit arson). The fire department must 'den Brand löschen' (put out the fire).
Die Polizei vermutet, dass jemand den Brand gelegt hat.
The police suspect that someone set the fire.
The meaning 'strong thirst' is used only in colloquial language. In formal situations, this expression is unusual.
Gib mir bitte schnell was zu trinken, ich habe einen furchtbaren Brand!
Please give me something to drink quickly, I'm terribly thirsty!
When 'Brand' (brandy) means a spirit, the fruit it is made from is often mentioned. Typical examples are 'Obstbrand' (fruit brandy), 'Williamsbrand' (pear brandy), or 'Kirschbrand' (cherry brandy).
Zum Abschluss des Menüs gab es einen edlen Obstbrand.
To finish the menu, there was a fine fruit brandy.
The meaning 'death of tissue' is a medical technical term. In everyday language, this word is almost never used in this sense.
Der Arzt musste das Bein amputieren, weil der Brand zu weit fortgeschritten war.
The doctor had to amputate the leg because the gangrene was too advanced.
fire
'das Feuer' and 'der Brand' can both describe a situation with flames and heat. However, 'Feuer' is more general: it can be a small, controlled fire in a fireplace or campfire, but also a dangerous fire. 'Brand' is used mainly when a fire is uncontrolled and causes damage, for example in a house or forest. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Brand' always has to do with fire. As a practical rule: if something is burning in a controlled way, you are more likely to say 'Feuer'. If something is burning dangerously and needs to be put out, 'Brand' fits better.
Nach dem Brand musste die Familie vorübergehend bei Verwandten wohnen.
After the fire, the family had to stay with relatives temporarily.
Am Abend saßen wir lange am Feuer und wärmten uns.
In the evening, we sat by the fire for a long time and warmed ourselves.