01
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
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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
'der Treibstoff' and 'der Brennstoff' both have to do with energy through combustion. 'Treibstoff' is used mainly when the energy powers a motor or an engine. So it is often about movement. 'Brennstoff' is more general: it is burned to produce heat or energy, for example wood, coal, or gas. In a figurative sense, both can mean something that makes a development or situation stronger. Still, the difference remains similar: 'Treibstoff' drives something forward, while 'Brennstoff' fuels or heats something up. They can be confused especially with gasoline or diesel, because these substances burn and also power engines.
Brennstoff
Für den Ofen kaufen wir im Winter zusätzlichen Brennstoff.
In winter, we buy additional fuel for the stove.
Treibstoff
Ohne genug Treibstoff kann der Bus die lange Strecke nicht fahren.
Without enough fuel, the bus cannot drive the long route.
In real life
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