das Donnerwetter
thunderstorm
A severe thunderstorm, usually accompanied by rain.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des heftigen Donnerwetters mussten wir das Picknick abbrechen.
We had to stop the picnic because of the severe thunderstorm.
das Donnerwetter
thunderstorm / good heavens! / telling-off
das Donnerwetter, die Donnerwetter
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Meanings
Donnerwetter!
Good heavens!
An exclamation expressing surprise, admiration, or annoyance.
EXAMPLE
Donnerwetter, das ist dir aber gut gelungen!
Good heavens, you did a really good job!
das Donnerwetter
telling-off
A severe reprimand or sharp rebuke. It clearly criticizes someone for their behavior.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du zu spät kommst, gibt es ein Donnerwetter.
If you arrive late, you'll get a real telling-off.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Donnerwetter, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Donnerwetter |
| genitive | des Donnerwetters |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Donnerwetter | die Donnerwetter |
| accusative | das Donnerwetter | die Donnerwetter |
| dative | dem Donnerwetter | den Donnerwettern |
| genitive | des Donnerwetters | der Donnerwetter |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Donnerwetter' (thunderstorm) is made up of 'Donner' (thunder) and 'Wetter' (weather). The literal combination refers to a weather event with thunder; from this, the exclamation 'Donnerwetter!' (Good heavens!) also developed.
EXAMPLE
Das plötzliche Donnerwetter überraschte die Wanderer.
The sudden thunderstorm surprised the hikers.
Context clue
With an article and a more detailed description, 'das Donnerwetter' (the thunderstorm) refers to a weather event. When 'Donnerwetter!' stands alone or appears at the beginning of a sentence with an exclamation mark, it is usually an exclamation. In expressions such as 'Es gibt ein Donnerwetter' (There will be a telling-off), it means a severe reprimand.
EXAMPLE
Das starke Donnerwetter dauerte fast eine Stunde.
The severe thunderstorm lasted almost an hour.
Donnerwetter! Mit so einem Ergebnis hatte niemand gerechnet.
Good heavens! Nobody expected such a result.
Exclamation in a sentence
As an exclamation, 'Donnerwetter!' (Good heavens!) can stand alone or appear at the beginning of a sentence; it is often followed by a comma. Depending on the situation, the exclamation expresses surprise, admiration, or annoyance.
EXAMPLE
Donnerwetter, du hast das Fahrrad ganz allein repariert!
Good heavens, you repaired the bicycle all by yourself!
In real life
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