das Parfüm
perfume
A fragrant liquid that you apply to the skin or clothing in order to smell good.
EXAMPLE
Sie trägt immer ein sehr teures Parfüm.
She always wears a very expensive perfume.
das Parfüm
perfume
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Meanings
das Parfüm
fragrance / scent
The characteristic fragrance or smell of something, especially a person, a flower, or a place.
EXAMPLE
Das Parfüm der Rosen erfüllte den ganzen Garten.
The scent of the roses filled the whole garden.
Usage tips
Context: liquid vs. scent
You can tell from the context whether the liquid (meaning 1) or the general scent (meaning 2) is meant. Verbs like 'kaufen' (to buy) or 'auftragen' (to apply) point to the liquid, while combinations with plants or places refer to the general scent.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss mir ein neues Parfüm kaufen.
I need to buy myself a new perfume.
Typical verbs
When referring to the fragrant liquid, certain verbs are used. You can 'auftragen' (apply), 'auflegen' (put on), 'aufsprühen' (spray on), or simply 'tragen' (wear) Parfüm (perfume).
EXAMPLE
Vor dem Ausgehen trägt sie immer ihr Lieblingsparfüm auf.
Before going out, she always applies her favorite perfume.
Typical adjectives
To describe the scent of a perfume, adjectives like 'leicht' (light), 'schwer' (heavy), 'süß' (sweet), 'frisch' (fresh), or 'blumig' (floral) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Für den Sommer bevorzuge ich ein leichtes, frisches Parfüm.
For summer, I prefer a light, fresh perfume.
Correct preposition
When saying where you apply perfume, you use the preposition 'auf' with the accusative. When describing what something smells of, you use 'nach'.
EXAMPLE
Sie sprüht sich das Parfüm auf die Handgelenke.
She sprays the perfume onto her wrists.
Compare with
Parfüm vs Duft
scent
Der Duft is the pleasant smell that you perceive. Das Parfüm is usually the liquid that someone applies to their skin or clothing and that produces this smell. Das Parfüm is therefore the appropriate word for the product, and der Duft for the smell that is perceived.
Parfüm
Sie trägt ein angenehmes Parfüm auf ihre Jacke auf.
She applies a pleasant perfume to her jacket.
Duft
Ein angenehmer Duft geht von ihrer Jacke aus.
A pleasant scent comes from her jacket.
In real life
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