01
der Dampf
steam
The gaseous state of water that forms when it is heated; water vapor.
example
Vorsicht, der Dampf aus dem Kochtopf ist sehr heiß.
Careful, the steam from the cooking pot is very hot.
der Dampf
steam
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Dampf' (steam) is the base word for many other words. These include the verb 'dampfen' (to steam) and compound nouns like 'Dampfgarer' (steam cooker) or 'Dampfschiff' (steamship), all of which have to do with the physical meaning.
EXAMPLE
Im Winter dampft der Atem in der kalten Luft.
In winter, your breath steams in the cold air.
Context clue
The literal meaning of 'Dampf' (steam) refers to hot water, cooking, or machines. The figurative meanings almost always refer to human energy, emotions, or stress, which becomes clear from the verbs used, e.g. 'ablassen' (to release/let off), 'stehen unter' (to be under).
EXAMPLE
Der Dampf aus der Teekanne beschlägt die Fensterscheibe.
The steam from the teapot fogs up the windowpane.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Dampf ablassen' (to let off steam) is a fixed combination. The person getting rid of their anger is the subject of the sentence. 'Dampf' is the accusative object here.
EXAMPLE
Er ging eine Runde laufen, um nach dem Streit Dampf abzulassen.
He went for a run to let off steam after the argument.
Typical verbs
In the colloquial meaning 'Energie' (energy), 'Dampf' is often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have), 'machen' (to make/do), or 'fehlen' (to be lacking).
EXAMPLE
Mir fehlt heute einfach der Dampf, um noch Sport zu machen.
I simply don't have the energy today to do any more sports.
Preposition and case
The expression 'unter Dampf stehen' (to be under pressure) always uses the preposition 'unter' with the dative. It describes that a person or group is under great pressure.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Abgabetermins stehen wir alle mächtig unter Dampf.
Because of the deadline, we're all really under pressure.
Compare with
Dampf vs Kraft
strength / force
'die Kraft' and 'der Dampf' can both express energy or drive. 'Kraft' is the neutral and general word for physical or inner strength. In this meaning, 'Dampf' is colloquial and sounds figurative. It is used more when someone has a lot of momentum or does something with a lot of energy. In normal or more serious situations, 'Kraft' is more appropriate; in casual language, 'Dampf' can sound more lively.
Dampf
Nach der Pause hatte das Team wieder richtig Dampf.
After the break, the team really had energy again.
Kraft
Nach der langen Wanderung fehlt mir die Kraft für den Rückweg.
After the long hike, I don't have the strength for the way back.
In real life
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