wildfire
das Lauffeuer, die Lauffeuer
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wildfire
A fire that spreads very quickly over a large area, especially through dry grass, scrubland, or forest.
Das Lauffeuer breitete sich wegen des starken Windes rasch im Wald aus.
The wildfire spread rapidly through the forest because of the strong wind.
to spread like wildfire
To spread very quickly, especially when referring to news and rumors.
Die Nachricht von seinem Rücktritt verbreitete sich wie ein Lauffeuer.
The news of his resignation spread like wildfire.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Lauffeuer |
| genitive | des Lauffeuers |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Lauffeuer | die Lauffeuer |
| accusative | das Lauffeuer | die Lauffeuer |
| dative | dem Lauffeuer | den Lauffeuern |
| genitive | des Lauffeuers | der Lauffeuer |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Lauffeuer' (wildfire) is made up of 'Lauf' (running) and 'Feuer' (fire). The image describes a fire that spreads so quickly that it seems to be running.
Das Lauffeuer erreichte nach wenigen Stunden die ersten Häuser.
The wildfire reached the first houses after just a few hours.
Specific locations such as a forest, grass, or houses point to a real fire. When words such as 'Nachricht' (news), 'Gerücht' (rumor), or 'Information' (information) appear with it, 'Lauffeuer' usually has a figurative meaning.
Das Lauffeuer breitete sich im trockenen Gras aus.
The wildfire spread through the dry grass.
Die Information verbreitete sich wie ein Lauffeuer im ganzen Unternehmen.
The information spread like wildfire throughout the company.
In its literal meaning, 'Lauffeuer' (wildfire) frequently occurs with verbs and expressions describing its spread: 'sich schnell ausbreiten' (to spread quickly), 'sich weiter ausbreiten' (to continue spreading), 'durch den Wind angefacht werden' (to be fanned by the wind), or 'einen Wald erreichen' (to reach a forest).
Das Lauffeuer breitete sich durch den starken Wind immer weiter aus.
The wildfire kept spreading because of the strong wind.
The fixed expression 'sich wie ein Lauffeuer verbreiten' (to spread like wildfire) is especially typical for the figurative meaning. It is mainly used with news, rumors, and information.
Das Gerücht über die Schließung verbreitete sich wie ein Lauffeuer.
The rumor about the closure spread like wildfire.
