der Brennstoff
fuel
A material that is burned to produce energy in the form of heat or power.
EXAMPLE
Holz, Kohle und Gas sind gängige Brennstoffe zum Heizen.
Wood, coal, and gas are common fuels for heating.
der Brennstoff
fuel
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Meanings
der Brennstoff
fuel
In a figurative sense, something that fuels or intensifies a situation, conflict, or discussion.
EXAMPLE
Seine provokanten Äußerungen lieferten neuen Brennstoff für die Debatte.
His provocative remarks provided new fuel for the debate.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a compound of 'brennen' (to burn) and 'Stoff' (material/substance). So it literally refers to a substance that burns in order to produce energy.
EXAMPLE
Für den Kamin benötigen wir einen trockenen Brennstoff.
We need a dry fuel for the fireplace.
Context clue
You can recognize the literal meaning from contexts such as heating, engines, or energy production. The figurative meaning appears in discussions about abstract topics such as politics, conflicts, or social debates.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen auf umweltfreundlichere Brennstoffe umsteigen.
We need to switch to more environmentally friendly fuels.
Typical collocations
In the literal sense, people often speak of 'fossile Brennstoffe' (fossil fuels), such as coal or oil, or 'erneuerbare Brennstoffe' (renewable fuels), such as wood or biogas.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung fördert die Nutzung von erneuerbaren Brennstoffen.
The government is promoting the use of renewable fuels.
Figurative use
In the figurative meaning, the phrase 'Brennstoff liefern für' (to provide fuel for) is often used. This means that an action or statement intensifies a conflict.
EXAMPLE
Das Interview lieferte neuen Brennstoff für die Gerüchteküche.
The interview provided new fuel for the rumor mill.
Compare with
Brennstoff vs Treibstoff
fuel
Treibstoff and Brennstoff are both burned to obtain energy. Treibstoff is specifically used to power an engine or propulsion system. Brennstoff is more general and also applies when a material mainly produces heat, for example in a heating system.
Brennstoff
Die Heizung benötigt für den langen Winter viel Brennstoff.
The heating system needs a lot of fuel for the long winter.
Treibstoff
Das Flugzeug benötigt für den langen Flug viel Treibstoff.
The aircraft needs a lot of fuel for the long flight.
In real life
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