hurricane / violent storm
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hurricane-force storm
An extremely strong storm with wind speeds of at least 118 kilometers per hour, corresponding to force 12 on the Beaufort scale.
Der Orkan entwurzelte Bäume und deckte Dächer ab.
The hurricane-force storm uprooted trees and tore roofs off.
You can usually recognize the figurative meaning by a genitive construction that describes a feeling or reaction. If this addition is missing and the context is weather, it refers to the storm.
Der Vorschlag sorgte für einen Orkan der Empörung.
The proposal caused a storm of indignation.
In connection with weather, 'Orkan' (hurricane-force storm) is often combined with strong verbs that describe its power. Typical phrases are 'ein Orkan tobt' (a storm is raging), 'fegt über das Land' (sweeps across the country), or 'zieht auf' (is approaching).
Ein heftiger Orkan tobt über der Nordsee.
A fierce hurricane-force storm is raging over the North Sea.
The figurative meaning is almost always combined with a noun that expresses a strong collective reaction. Common combinations are 'ein Orkan der Begeisterung' (a storm of enthusiasm), 'des Beifalls' (of applause), or 'der Entrüstung' (of outrage).
Nach dem Konzert gab es einen Orkan des Beifalls für die Band.
After the concert, there was a storm of applause for the band.
storm
'der Sturm' and 'der Orkan' both describe very strong wind and can also be used figuratively for intense feelings or reactions. The most important difference is the strength: an 'Orkan' is an especially extreme 'Sturm'. In everyday language, people often say 'Sturm' when the weather is very windy and dangerous. 'Orkan' is more precise when the wind is truly extremely strong or is officially reported as a hurricane-force storm. Learners may confuse the words because every 'Orkan' is a 'Sturm', but not every 'Sturm' is an 'Orkan'.
Der Orkan hat in der Nacht mehrere Bäume umgerissen.
The hurricane-force storm knocked down several trees during the night.
Wegen des Sturms bleiben die Kinder heute lieber im Haus.
Because of the storm, the children would rather stay indoors today.