fuse
die Lunte, die Lunten
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fuse
A cord or strand of readily combustible material formerly used to ignite explosive charges or fireworks.
Der Sprengmeister zündete die Lunte an und entfernte sich schnell.
The blasting expert lit the fuse and quickly moved away.
smell a rat
In the expression 'Lunte riechen' (to smell a rat): to become suspicious or recognize impending danger.
Als sie plötzlich so freundlich wurde, roch ich sofort Lunte.
When she suddenly became so friendly, I immediately smelled a rat.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Lunten |
| genitive | der Lunte |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Lunte | die Lunten |
| accusative | die Lunte | die Lunten |
| dative | der Lunte | den Lunten |
| genitive | der Lunte | der Lunten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
In its literal sense, 'Lunte' (fuse) often appears alongside words related to fire, explosives, or fireworks. In its figurative sense, the verb 'riechen' (to smell) is a particularly useful signal for the fixed expression 'Lunte riechen' (to smell a rat).
Der Pyrotechniker zündete die Lunte an.
The pyrotechnician lit the fuse.
Als der Verdächtige nervös wurde, roch die Ermittlerin Lunte.
When the suspect became nervous, the investigator smelled a rat.
In its literal sense, 'Lunte' (fuse) is mainly used with verbs such as 'anzünden' (to light), 'brennen' (to burn), and 'glimmen' (to smolder). This meaning is often found in historical accounts and in contexts involving explosives or fireworks.
Die alte Lunte glimmte noch, als die Feuerwehr eintraf.
The old fuse was still smoldering when the fire department arrived.
In 'Lunte riechen' (to smell a rat), 'Lunte' is used without an article; the verb 'riechen' (to smell) is a fixed part of this expression. The expression is often used with words such as 'sofort' (immediately), 'schon' (already), or 'plötzlich' (suddenly).
Ich roch schon Lunte, als er mir ohne Grund ein Geschenk machte.
I already smelled a rat when he gave me a present for no reason.
