wetness / dampness
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wetness
The state of being damp or wet; moisture. Often used to describe unpleasant wetness caused by rain, dew, or spilled liquids.
Wegen der Nässe auf der Straße müssen Autofahrer besonders vorsichtig sein.
Because of the wetness on the road, drivers need to be especially careful.
'Die Nässe' (wetness) is the noun formed from the adjective 'nass' (wet). Many nouns that describe a state are derived from adjectives in this way, for example 'kalt' (cold) → 'die Kälte' (the cold/coldness).
Zieh dir Gummistiefel an, damit du keine nassen Füße bekommst.
Put on rubber boots so you don't get wet feet.
Since 'Nässe' (wetness) describes an uncountable state, the word is used almost exclusively in the singular.
Die Nässe zog langsam durch seine Schuhe.
The wetness slowly seeped through his shoes.
The word 'Nässe' (wetness) often has a negative connotation. It describes unpleasant moisture, for example from rain, dirt, or cold.
Ich mag den Herbst nicht wegen der ständigen Kälte und Nässe.
I don't like autumn because of the constant cold and wetness.
Common expressions are 'sich vor Nässe schützen' (to protect oneself from wetness), 'empfindlich gegen Nässe sein' (to be sensitive to dampness), or the warning about 'Nässe auf der Fahrbahn' (wetness on the roadway).
Diese Jacke bietet guten Schutz vor Wind und Nässe.
This jacket offers good protection against wind and wetness.
moisture
Feuchtigkeit refers to a relatively small or neutrally described amount of liquid. Nässe usually means a more clearly noticeable wet condition and often has unpleasant connotations. Feuchtigkeit is appropriate for a slightly clammy wall, while Nässe is more appropriate for a visibly wet wall.
Nach dem starken Regen läuft die Nässe an der Kellerwand herunter.
After the heavy rain, the wetness runs down the basement wall.
Nach dem Regen ist an der Kellerwand etwas Feuchtigkeit zu spüren.
After the rain, you can feel some moisture on the basement wall.
