der Donner
thunder
The loud, rumbling sound that follows a flash of lightning during a thunderstorm.
EXAMPLE
Erst sahen wir den Blitz, dann hörten wir den lauten Donner.
First we saw the lightning, then we heard the loud thunder.
der Donner
thunder
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Donner
thunder
A very loud, deep, booming sound that resembles the thunder of a storm.
EXAMPLE
Der Donner der Kanonen war noch in weiter Ferne zu hören.
The thunder of the cannons could still be heard in the distance.
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The word 'Donnerwetter!' is a well-known exclamation. It can express surprise, annoyance, or admiring amazement, similar to 'Wow!' or 'Good heavens!'.
EXAMPLE
Donnerwetter, das hast du aber schnell geschafft!
Wow, you managed that quickly!
Typical collocations
'Donner' (thunder) almost always appears together with 'Blitz' (lightning), often in the fixed combination 'Blitz und Donner' (thunder and lightning). A typical verb that describes the sound is 'grollen' (to rumble).
EXAMPLE
Bei dem Gewitter gab es die ganze Nacht Blitz und Donner.
During the thunderstorm there was thunder and lightning all night.
Context clue
In this figurative meaning, the source of the loud sound is often named directly. Typical compounds are 'Kanonendonner' (cannon thunder) or 'Applausdonner' (thunderous applause).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Rede erfüllte lauter Applausdonner den Saal.
After the speech, thunderous applause filled the hall.
In real life
Loading video examples...