01
das Parfum
perfume
A pleasant-smelling liquid, usually alcohol-based, that is applied to the skin or clothing to spread a pleasant scent.
example
Zum Geburtstag wünsche ich mir ein neues Parfum.
For my birthday, I would like a new perfume.
das Parfum
perfume
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Parfum' (perfume) is a word from French. This explains the spelling, which is unusual for German, and the pronunciation modeled on French.
EXAMPLE
Sie liebt französische Parfums.
She loves French perfumes.
Typical verbs
When referring to the liquid, the typical verbs are 'Parfum auftragen' (to apply perfume), 'Parfum benutzen' (to use perfume), or also 'ein Parfum tragen' (to wear a perfume).
EXAMPLE
Sie trägt heute ein sehr angenehmes Parfum.
She is wearing a very pleasant perfume today.
Context clue
When 'Parfum' (fragrance) describes the scent of something, it often appears with the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from). In this case, it does not mean the liquid in a bottle, but the smell itself.
EXAMPLE
Ich liebe das Parfum von frisch gebackenem Brot.
I love the fragrance of freshly baked bread.
Compare with
Parfum vs Geruch
smell
'der Geruch' and 'das Parfum' both have to do with smelling. 'Geruch' is the general word for anything you perceive with your nose; it can be pleasant or unpleasant. 'Parfum' is usually a pleasant-smelling liquid that you put on your skin or clothing. It can also mean the particular pleasant fragrance of something. Learners may confuse the words because perfume also has a smell. But not every smell is a perfume: smoke, cheese, or garbage have a 'Geruch', but not a 'Parfum' in the normal sense.
Parfum
Vor der Feier trägt Anna ein wenig Parfum auf.
Before the party, Anna puts on a little perfume.
Geruch
In der Küche liegt ein starker Geruch nach gebratenen Zwiebeln.
There is a strong smell of fried onions in the kitchen.
In real life
Loading video examples...