01
das Geräusch
noise / sound
An audible acoustic impression; a tone or sound that is often vague or not clearly identifiable.
example
Ich habe ein seltsames Geräusch aus der Küche gehört.
I heard a strange noise coming from the kitchen.
das Geräusch
noise / sound
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Geräusch' (noise/sound) is related to the verb 'rauschen' (to rustle/rush). The prefix 'Ge-' forms a noun here that describes a single or undefined sound event.
EXAMPLE
Das Rauschen der Blätter wurde von einem lauten Geräusch unterbrochen.
The rustling of the leaves was interrupted by a loud noise.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Geräusch' (noise/sound) are 'ein Geräusch machen' (to make a noise), 'ein Geräusch hören' (to hear a noise), and 'ein Geräusch verursachen' (to cause a noise).
EXAMPLE
Bitte mach keine lauten Geräusche, das Baby schläft.
Please don't make any loud noises; the baby is sleeping.
Typical adjectives
To describe a 'Geräusch' (noise/sound), adjectives such as 'laut' (loud), 'leise' (quiet), 'plötzlich' (sudden), 'seltsam' (strange), or 'unbekannt' (unknown) are often used.
EXAMPLE
In der alten Villa hörte man nachts oft seltsame Geräusche.
In the old villa, people often heard strange noises at night.
Source of the noise
To indicate the source of a 'Geräusch' (noise/sound), the prepositions 'aus' (from/out of) or 'von' (from) are usually used. For example, 'ein Geräusch aus der Küche' (a noise from the kitchen) or 'ein Geräusch von der Straße' (a noise from the street).
EXAMPLE
Das Geräusch kam vom Dachboden.
The noise came from the attic.
Compare with
Geräusch vs Ruhe
quiet / calm
'die Ruhe' and 'das Geräusch' are opposites when it comes to hearing and noise. 'Ruhe' means that it is quiet or that there are no disturbing sounds. 'Ein Geräusch' is something you hear, often without knowing exactly where it comes from. A single noise can disturb the quiet. So 'Ruhe' describes the quiet state; 'Geräusch' describes the audible sound that can interrupt that state.
Geräusch
Beim Frühstück hörte Anna ein seltsames Geräusch aus der Küche.
During breakfast, Anna heard a strange noise coming from the kitchen.
Ruhe
Am Sonntagmorgen genieße ich die Ruhe in der Wohnung.
On Sunday morning, I enjoy the quiet in the apartment.
In real life
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