01
duften
to smell fragrant
To give off a pleasant, fragrant smell.
example
Im Frühling duften die Blumen im ganzen Garten.
In spring, the flowers smell fragrant throughout the whole garden.
duften
to smell fragrant / be great
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'duften' (to smell fragrant) is directly related to the noun 'der Duft' (a pleasant smell/fragrance). When something 'duftet' (smells fragrant), it gives off a 'Duft' (fragrance).
EXAMPLE
Der Duft von frisch gebackenem Brot ist herrlich.
The smell of freshly baked bread is wonderful.
Sentence structure with 'nach'
To describe what something smells like, you use the preposition 'nach' followed by the dative. The structure is: Etwas duftet nach etwas (something smells of/like something).
EXAMPLE
Die Seife duftet nach Lavendel.
The soap smells like lavender.
Register and style
The meaning 'großartig' (great) or 'super' is colloquial and is used rather rarely today. It can sound a bit old-fashioned, but it is still sometimes used ironically.
EXAMPLE
Ein Ausflug ans Meer? Das finde ich eine dufte Idee!
A trip to the sea? I think that's a great idea!
Context clue
You can easily distinguish the two meanings: if the subject is something that can have a smell, such as food or flowers, the meaning is about scent. If the subject is a person, idea, or thing being evaluated, the colloquial meaning 'toll' (great) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Kuchen in der Küche duftet wunderbar.
The cake in the kitchen smells wonderful.
Compare with
duften vs super
super
'super' and 'duften' can both express enthusiasm, but they are very different in how they are used. 'super' is a normal, very common word for something that is very good. 'duften' in the sense of 'being great' is colloquial and sounds rather old-fashioned today. Also, 'duften' usually means that something smells pleasant. So 'super' is a better fit in almost all everyday situations when you simply want to express praise.
duften
Mein Opa sagt noch: „Der Plan duftet“, wenn er ihn richtig gut findet.
My grandpa still says, “Der Plan duftet,” when he thinks a plan is really good.
super
Deine Idee für den Ausflug ist super.
Your idea for the trip is great.
In real life
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