01
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
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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
'der Wall' and 'der Damm' can both mean a raised, artificially built embankment. Both can also have to do with protection against water. However, 'der Damm' is the more common word when a structure holds back or dams up water. It can also be a raised path or road. 'der Wall' sounds more like a long mound of earth, especially as a protective structure or in older contexts. The words can be confused especially in contexts of flooding and protective structures. If it is clearly about water, 'Damm' is often more natural; 'Wall' puts more emphasis on the shape or on the protective embankment.
Damm
Nach dem starken Regen kontrolliert die Feuerwehr den Damm am Fluss.
After the heavy rain, the fire department checks the dam by the river.
Wall
Hinter dem Dorf liegt ein alter Wall, der früher vor Überschwemmungen schützen sollte.
Behind the village there is an old embankment that was once meant to protect against flooding.
In real life
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