der Damm
dam
A structure that blocks or holds back water, for example to form a lake or prevent flooding.
EXAMPLE
Der Biber hat einen Damm gebaut, der den Bach aufstaut.
The beaver built a dam that blocks the stream.
der Damm
dam / embankment / perineum
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Meanings
der Damm
embankment
A built-up, raised path or road, often over wet ground or water.
EXAMPLE
Wir fuhren mit dem Auto über den Damm zur Insel.
We drove across the embankment to the island.
der Damm
perineum
In anatomy, the area of the body between the anus and the external genitals.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Geburt kann es zu einem Dammriss kommen.
During childbirth, a perineal tear can occur.
der Damm
barrier
In a figurative sense, a barrier or protective wall against something undesirable.
EXAMPLE
Die neuen Gesetze sollen ein Damm gegen die Korruption sein.
The new laws are intended to be a barrier against corruption.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Damm' (dam / embankment / perineum) from the context. If it is about water, a river, or a lake, the structure is usually meant. In connection with words like 'Straße' (road), 'fahren' (to drive), or 'gehen' (to walk), it means the raised path.
EXAMPLE
Der Damm schützt das Dorf vor Hochwasser.
The dam protects the village from flooding.
Typical collocation
A very common and vivid expression is 'der Damm bricht' (the dam breaks). This is often used when a barrier, literally or figuratively, suddenly gives way.
EXAMPLE
Nach tagelangem Regen brach der Damm und das Tal wurde überflutet.
After days of rain, the dam broke and the valley was flooded.
Figurative use
In a figurative sense, 'Damm' (barrier) is often used with the preposition 'gegen' (against) to describe a barrier against something negative and abstract. The pattern is: 'ein Damm gegen + [abstract noun]' (a barrier against + [abstract noun]).
EXAMPLE
Bildung ist der beste Damm gegen Armut.
Education is the best barrier against poverty.
Medical term
The anatomical meaning of 'Damm' (perineum) is used almost exclusively in medical or biological technical language, for example in obstetrics or anatomy.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt erklärte die Funktion des Damms während der Geburt.
The doctor explained the function of the perineum during childbirth.
Compare with
Damm vs Wall
rampart / embankment
Both words can refer to a man-made embankment built to protect against flooding. “Wall” tends to emphasize the elongated earth embankment as a protective boundary. “Damm” is more general and refers more strongly to a structure that holds back water; in some situations, both words are possible.
Damm
Die Helfer verstärkten den Damm am Fluss mit Sandsäcken, damit das Wasser nicht übertrat.
The helpers reinforced the dam along the river with sandbags so that the water would not overflow.
Wall
Die Helfer verstärkten den langen Erdwall am Fluss mit Sandsäcken.
The helpers reinforced the long earth embankment along the river with sandbags.
In real life
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