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
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Meanings
das Parfum
fragrance
The characteristic scent or smell of something, especially a person, a flower, or a dish.
EXAMPLE
Das Parfum der Rosen erfüllte den ganzen Garten.
The fragrance of the roses filled the whole garden.
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 Duft
scent
Der Duft is the pleasant smell that you perceive. Das Parfum is usually the liquid applied to the skin or clothing that spreads this smell. Das Parfum is therefore the appropriate word for the liquid, and der Duft for its perceptible effect.
Parfum
Sie sprüht ein angenehmes Parfum auf ihren Schal.
She sprays a pleasant perfume on her scarf.
Duft
Ein angenehmer Duft geht von ihrem Schal aus.
A pleasant scent comes from her scarf.
In real life
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