A term from a conspiracy theory that refers to aircraft contrails which are supposedly deliberately sprayed chemical or biological substances.
example
Anhänger der Theorie glauben, dass Chemtrails das Wetter manipulieren sollen.
Supporters of the theory believe that chemtrails are meant to manipulate the weather.
Usage tips
Word formation
The word 'Chemtrail' is a portmanteau from English. It is made up of 'chemical' and 'trail'.
EXAMPLE
Der Begriff „Chemtrail“ suggeriert eine chemische Spur am Himmel.
The term 'Chemtrail' suggests a chemical trail in the sky.
Register and context
This word is used exclusively by supporters of conspiracy theories. In science or general usage, people say 'Kondensstreifen' (contrails).
EXAMPLE
Im Internet gibt es viele Foren, in denen über Chemtrails diskutiert wird.
There are many forums on the internet where chemtrails are discussed.
Typical collocations
The word often appears in certain phrases. Typical ones are 'an Chemtrails glauben' (to believe in chemtrails), 'Chemtrails am Himmel entdecken' (to spot chemtrails in the sky), or the question 'Was sind Chemtrails?' (What are chemtrails?).
EXAMPLE
Er glaubt fest daran, dass die Regierung Chemtrails versprüht.
He firmly believes that the government is spraying chemtrails.