01
der Mundgeruch
bad breath
Unpleasant-smelling breath.
example
Knoblauch und Zwiebeln können starken Mundgeruch verursachen.
Garlic and onions can cause strong bad breath.
der Mundgeruch
bad breath
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word 'Mundgeruch' (bad breath) is a direct compound of 'der Mund' (the mouth) and 'der Geruch' (the smell/odor). So it literally means 'smell from the mouth.'
EXAMPLE
Der Zahnarzt konnte die Ursache für den Mundgeruch schnell finden.
The dentist was able to find the cause of the bad breath quickly.
Typical use
The most common construction for talking about bad breath is with the verb 'haben' (to have). You say: 'jemand hat Mundgeruch' (someone has bad breath). An adjective like 'stark' (strong) or 'schlecht' (bad) is often added.
EXAMPLE
Ich glaube, ich habe ein bisschen Mundgeruch.
I think I have a little bad breath.
Cause and solution
To talk about the cause, you often use the verb 'verursachen' (to cause). When looking for a solution, you ask: 'Was kann man gegen Mundgeruch tun?' (What can you do about bad breath?).
EXAMPLE
Bestimmte Bakterien im Mund können Mundgeruch verursachen.
Certain bacteria in the mouth can cause bad breath.
Compare with
Mundgeruch vs Fahne
flag
'die Fahne' and 'der Mundgeruch' can both have to do with bad-smelling breath. 'Mundgeruch' is the general word for unpleasant breath, no matter the cause. 'Eine Fahne' colloquially refers specifically to the smell of alcohol on someone's breath. The words can be confused because both are noticeable when speaking or in close contact. If someone's breath smells bad in general, you say 'Mundgeruch'. If you can clearly smell alcohol, you are more likely to say 'eine Fahne'.
Mundgeruch
Mundgeruch kann auch entstehen, wenn man lange nichts gegessen hat.
Bad breath can also occur if you have not eaten anything for a long time.
Fahne
Nach der Feier hatte er eine Fahne, obwohl er nur wenig getrunken hatte.
After the party, he had alcohol on his breath, even though he had only drunk a little.
In real life
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