01
das Feuer
fire
The visible appearance of combustion with flames and heat.
example
Wir machten ein kleines Feuer, um uns zu wärmen.
We made a small fire to warm ourselves.
das Feuer
fire
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Word family
'Feuer' (fire) is the basis for many everyday words. These include 'die Feuerwehr' (fire department), 'das Feuerzeug' (lighter), and 'das Feuerwerk' (fireworks).
EXAMPLE
Hast du ein Feuerzeug für die Kerzen?
Do you have a lighter for the candles?
Controlled fire
When it is about an intentional, controlled fire, the typical verb is 'Feuer machen' (to make a fire). You can then sit comfortably 'am Feuer' (by the fire).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben am Strand ein kleines Feuer gemacht.
The children made a small fire on the beach.
Uncontrolled blaze
For an unwanted fire, other verbs are used. A building can 'Feuer fangen' (catch fire), a blaze can 'ausbrechen' (break out), and the fire department has to 'Feuer löschen' (put out the fire).
EXAMPLE
Das trockene Holz hat sofort Feuer gefangen.
The dry wood caught fire immediately.
Military context
In a military or police context, 'Feuer' (fire) means shooting with weapons. The most important fixed expression for this is 'das Feuer eröffnen' (to open fire).
EXAMPLE
Der General gab den Befehl, das Feuer zu eröffnen.
The general gave the order to open fire.
Metaphorical meaning
As a metaphor, 'Feuer' (fire) describes strong passion or enthusiasm. You can speak of an 'inneres Feuer' (inner fire) or say that someone is involved in something 'mit Feuer' (with fire).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat mit Feuer in den Augen von ihrem Projekt erzählt.
She talked about her project with fire in her eyes.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'Feuer und Flamme sein' means that you are extremely enthusiastic about something. It is used with the verb 'sein' (to be) and often the preposition 'für' (+ accusative).
EXAMPLE
Mein Sohn ist Feuer und Flamme für die Idee, in den Freizeitpark zu fahren.
My son is fired up about the idea of going to the amusement park.
Compare with
Feuer vs Brand
fire / brandy
'das Feuer' and 'der Brand' can both describe a situation with flames and heat. However, 'Feuer' is more general: it can be a small, controlled fire in a fireplace or campfire, but also a dangerous fire. 'Brand' is used mainly when a fire is uncontrolled and causes damage, for example in a house or forest. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Brand' always has to do with fire. As a practical rule: if something is burning in a controlled way, you are more likely to say 'Feuer'. If something is burning dangerously and needs to be put out, 'Brand' fits better.
Feuer
Am Abend saßen wir lange am Feuer und wärmten uns.
In the evening, we sat by the fire for a long time and warmed ourselves.
Brand
Nach dem Brand musste die Familie vorübergehend bei Verwandten wohnen.
After the fire, the family had to stay with relatives temporarily.
In real life
Loading video examples...