clearing / deforestation
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clearing
The large-scale removal of trees and bushes in a forest in order to make the area usable for other purposes, such as agriculture or construction projects.
Die Rodung des Waldes für die neue Autobahn stößt auf großen Widerstand.
The clearing of the forest for the new highway is meeting with strong resistance.
clearing
An open area in a forest created by the removal of trees.
Auf der Rodung am Waldrand wächst jetzt junges Gras.
Young grass is now growing in the clearing at the edge of the forest.
The noun 'die Rodung' (clearing) is derived from the verb 'roden' (to clear land). 'Roden' means to remove trees and bushes in order to make land usable. The ending '-ung' turns the action into a noun.
Die Bauern mussten das Land erst roden, bevor sie es bepflanzen konnten.
The farmers first had to clear the land before they could plant it.
When 'Rodung' (clearing) describes the process, it often appears with verbs like 'genehmigen' (to approve), 'stoppen' (to stop), 'verhindern' (to prevent), or in connection with a purpose. Typical phrases are 'die Rodung für ein Bauprojekt' (the clearing for a construction project) or 'gegen die Rodung protestieren' (to protest against the clearing).
Die Umweltschützer wollen die geplante Rodung des Gebiets verhindern.
The environmentalists want to prevent the planned clearing of the area.
You can distinguish the two meanings from the context. If it is about the process, verbs of action are often used, e.g. 'die Rodung beginnt' (the clearing begins). If it is about the area, prepositions of place are usually used, e.g. 'auf der Rodung spielen' (to play in the clearing).
Die Rodung des alten Waldes dauert mehrere Wochen. (Vorgang)
The clearing of the old forest takes several weeks. (process)
clearing
Lichtung and Rodung can both refer to an open area in a forest. Lichtung emphasizes the open place itself, regardless of how it came about, while Rodung highlights the removal of trees and bushes or the result of that removal. Use Lichtung for the place and Rodung for the deliberate clearing of vegetation.
Durch die Rodung entstand eine freie Fläche, auf der später ein Gebäude gebaut werden sollte.
The clearing created an open area where a building was later to be constructed.
Auf der Lichtung im Wald machten wir eine Pause und genossen die Sonne.
We took a break in the clearing in the forest and enjoyed the sunshine.
