01
der Lärm
noise
A loud, strong sound, or a mixture of many sounds, often perceived as unpleasant.
example
Der Lärm von der Baustelle nebenan macht mich wahnsinnig.
The noise from the construction site next door is driving me crazy.
der Lärm
noise
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Uncountable noun
'Lärm' (noise) is an uncountable noun and is almost always used in the singular. You therefore say 'viel Lärm' (a lot of noise) or 'wenig Lärm' (little noise), but not 'viele Lärme'.
EXAMPLE
Könnt ihr bitte weniger Lärm machen?
Could you please make less noise?
Word family
The verb 'lärmen' (to make a lot of noise) is derived from the noun 'der Lärm' (noise). There is also the adjective 'lärmend' (noisy).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder lärmen im Garten.
The children are making noise in the garden.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Lärm' (noise) are 'Lärm machen' (to make noise), 'Lärm verursachen' (to cause noise), and 'sich über Lärm beschweren' (to complain about noise). Noise is also often described with adjectives such as 'laut' (loud), 'unerträglich' (unbearable), or 'ständig' (constant).
EXAMPLE
Die Nachbarn haben sich über den nächtlichen Lärm beschwert.
The neighbors complained about the nighttime noise.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'viel Lärm um nichts' (much ado about nothing) is a fixed unit. It is used to express that a situation is less important than the excitement around it suggests.
EXAMPLE
Die Sorge war unbegründet, es war nur viel Lärm um nichts.
The concern was unfounded; it was just much ado about nothing.
Compare with
Lärm vs Ruhe
quiet / calm
'die Ruhe' and 'der Lärm' are opposites when it comes to sounds. 'die Ruhe' means that there are no disturbing sounds and that you do not feel bothered by loudness. 'der Lärm' means loud, often unpleasant noise. Ruhe is therefore typical of places where you want to sleep, read, or work. Lärm fits with traffic, construction sites, loud music, or many voices. The difference is simple: Ruhe does not disturb you; Lärm often does.
Lärm
Der Lärm von der Straße macht das Arbeiten im Büro schwer.
The noise from the street makes it hard to work in the office.
Ruhe
Am Abend genießt sie die Ruhe in ihrer Wohnung.
In the evening, she enjoys the quiet in her apartment.
In real life
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