01
die Flamme
flame
The visible, glowing, gaseous part of a fire.
example
Die Flamme der Kerze tanzte im leichten Windzug.
The candle's flame danced in the light draft.
die Flamme
flame
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Flamme' (flame) belongs to a word family with the verb 'flammen' (to glow, to burn) and the adjective 'flammend' (flaming, e.g. flaming red). Recognizing this family helps with understanding related words.
EXAMPLE
Das Feuer im Kamin flammte gemütlich vor sich hin.
The fire in the fireplace flickered cozily.
Typical collocations
In connection with fire, 'Flamme' (flame) is often used in fixed expressions. Typical ones are 'in Flammen stehen' (to be in flames/burning) or 'eine Flamme entzünden' (to ignite a flame/start a fire).
EXAMPLE
Das verlassene Gebäude stand plötzlich in Flammen.
The abandoned building was suddenly in flames.
Register and use
When 'Flamme' (flame) describes a person, this is colloquial. People often speak of 'einer alten Flamme' (an old flame/former love interest) or 'einer neuen Flamme' (a new flame/current love interest).
EXAMPLE
Er hat seine alte Flamme aus der Jugend zufällig im Supermarkt getroffen.
He happened to meet his old flame from his youth in the supermarket.
Usage pattern
To describe a strong feeling, 'Flamme' (flame) is often combined with a genitive that names the feeling. This use is rather elevated or poetic. Typical examples are 'die Flamme der Leidenschaft' (the flame of passion) or 'die Flamme des Zorns' (the flame of anger).
EXAMPLE
In ihren Augen loderte die Flamme der Entschlossenheit.
The flame of determination blazed in her eyes.
Compare with
Flamme vs Feuer
fire
'das Feuer' and 'die Flamme' both belong to the area of burning, heat, and light. 'Feuer' refers to the whole event or phenomenon: something is burning, there is heat, and often several flames. 'Flamme' refers more specifically to the single visible, glowing part of a fire. That is why you can speak of a 'Flamme' with a candle, but with a campfire you are more likely to speak of 'Feuer'. The words can be confused because you see flames when a fire is burning. There is also a connection with feelings: 'Feuer und Flamme sein' means to be very enthusiastic, but 'Flamme' by itself is not always simply the same as 'Feuer'.
Flamme
Die Flamme der Kerze wurde im offenen Fenster immer kleiner.
The candle's flame grew smaller and smaller in the open window.
Feuer
Im Kamin brannte ein kleines Feuer, als wir nach Hause kamen.
A small fire was burning in the fireplace when we came home.
In real life
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