particulate matter
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particulate matter
Very small particles suspended in the air that are invisible to humans and are considered air pollution. High concentrations can be harmful to health.
In vielen Großstädten wird die Feinstaub-Belastung regelmäßig gemessen.
In many large cities, particulate matter pollution is measured regularly.
'Feinstaub' (particulate matter) is a compound noun made from the adjective 'fein' (fine) and the noun 'der Staub' (dust). So it literally describes dust that consists of very fine particles.
Feinstaub ist mit bloßem Auge nicht zu erkennen.
Particulate matter cannot be seen with the naked eye.
The word is often used in combination with terms from the fields of environment and health. Common combinations are 'die Feinstaubbelastung' (particulate matter pollution), 'der Feinstaubgrenzwert' (particulate matter limit), and verbs like 'messen' (to measure) or 'reduzieren' (to reduce).
Die Regierung hat neue Maßnahmen beschlossen, um die Feinstaubbelastung zu reduzieren.
The government has approved new measures to reduce particulate matter pollution.
'Feinstaub' (particulate matter) is almost always used in the singular because it is an uncountable substance, similar to 'Wasser' (water) or 'Sand' (sand). The plural 'die Feinstäube' is very rare and is used only in scientific technical contexts.
Alter Autoreifenabrieb ist eine Quelle für Feinstaub.
Old car tire abrasion is a source of particulate matter.
dust
'Staub' and 'Feinstaub' both refer to very small particles. 'Staub' is the normal everyday word for fine dry particles that you can often see or wipe away. 'Feinstaub' is more precise and is used especially when talking about air pollution and health. It is very small, often invisible, and floats in the air. The words can be confused because both can be dust. For the home, people usually say 'Staub'; for traffic, industry, and air-quality levels, people say 'Feinstaub'.
In der Stadt ist heute viel Feinstaub in der Luft.
There is a lot of particulate matter in the air in the city today.
Karim wischt den Staub vom Küchentisch, bevor er das Essen hinstellt.
Karim wipes the dust off the kitchen table before putting the food down.