der Fluss
river
A large, natural flowing body of water that empties into a sea, a lake, or another river.
EXAMPLE
Die Donau ist der zweitlängste Fluss in Europa.
The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe.
der Fluss
river / flow
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Meanings
der Fluss
flow
A continuous, uninterrupted movement or a steady stream of something.
EXAMPLE
Bitte unterbrich meinen Redefluss nicht ständig.
Please stop constantly interrupting my flow of speech.
im Fluss sein
to be in flux
To be in a state of constant change or development.
EXAMPLE
Die Pläne für das neue Projekt sind noch im Fluss und nicht endgültig.
The plans for the new project are still in flux and not final.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Fluss' (river/flow) is closely related to the verb 'fließen' (to flow). This connection helps you understand both the literal meaning (a body of water that flows) and the figurative meaning (a steady stream).
EXAMPLE
Das Wasser fließt langsam im Fluss.
The water flows slowly in the river.
Typical compounds
In the figurative meaning, '-fluss' (flow) is often used as the second part of compound nouns to describe a continuous stream. Common examples are 'Redefluss' (flow of speech), 'Verkehrsfluss' (traffic flow), or 'Gedankenfluss' (flow of thoughts).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Pause kam der Verkehrsfluss nur langsam wieder in Gang.
After the long break, the traffic flow only slowly got going again.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'im Fluss sein' (to be in flux) means that something is in a process of change and is not yet completed. It is often used for plans, projects, or situations.
EXAMPLE
Die Organisation des Festivals ist noch voll im Fluss.
The organization of the festival is still very much in flux.
Compare with
Fluss vs Strom
electricity / river
Fluss is the neutral term for a natural flowing body of water and can also empty into a lake or another river. Strom refers especially to a very large river that flows into the sea and often sounds more geographical or literary.
Fluss
Der breite Fluss fließt durch mehrere Orte und mündet schließlich in einen See.
The broad river flows through several towns and eventually empties into a lake.
Strom
Der breite Strom fließt durch mehrere Länder und mündet schließlich ins Meer.
The broad river flows through several countries and eventually empties into the sea.
In real life
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