01
der Gestank
stench
A very strong and unpleasant smell.
example
Nach dem Kochen von Kohl breitete sich ein übler Gestank in der ganzen Wohnung aus.
After cooking cabbage, a foul stench spread throughout the apartment.
der Gestank
stench
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Gestank' (the stench) is the noun related to the verb 'stinken' (to stink). When something stinks, it gives off a Gestank. The prefix 'Ge-' is often used to form nouns from verbs.
EXAMPLE
Was stinkt hier so?
What stinks so much here?
Typical collocations
Since 'Gestank' is already negative, it is often combined with strongly intensifying adjectives such as 'übel' (foul), 'fürchterlich' (terrible), 'scheußlich' (horrible), or 'unerträglich' (unbearable).
EXAMPLE
Ein übler Gestank kam aus dem Abfluss.
A foul stench came from the drain.
Correct preposition
To name the source of the stench, the prepositions 'von' (from/of) or 'nach' (of/like) are used. 'Von' is somewhat more general, while 'nach' describes a more specific smell.
EXAMPLE
Der Gestank von verbranntem Plastik zog durch die Straße.
The stench of burned plastic drifted through the street.
Compare with
Gestank vs Geruch
smell
'Geruch' and 'Gestank' both have to do with what you perceive with your nose. 'Geruch' is neutral: it can be pleasant, unpleasant, or simply noticeable. 'Gestank' is always negative and means a very strong, bad smell. Learners may confuse the words because both are perceived through the nose. If you do not want to make a judgment, use 'Geruch'. If something really smells bad, 'Gestank' fits better.
Gestank
Wegen des Gestanks aus der Mülltonne öffnete Maria sofort das Fenster.
Because of the stench from the trash can, Maria immediately opened the window.
Geruch
In der Küche liegt ein frischer Geruch von Kaffee und Brot.
There is a fresh smell of coffee and bread in the kitchen.
In real life
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