der Schneefall
snowfall
The falling of snow from the clouds as a meteorological event.
EXAMPLE
Der Wetterbericht hat für die Nacht starken Schneefall angekündigt.
The weather forecast announced heavy snowfall for the night.
der Schneefall
snowfall
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Meanings
der Schneefall
snowfall
The amount of snow that has fallen within a certain period of time.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem heftigen Schneefall war die Straße unpassierbar.
After the heavy snowfall, the road was impassable.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a clear compound of 'der Schnee' (snow) and 'der Fall' (fall). Here, 'Fall' comes from the verb 'fallen' (to fall). So it literally describes the falling of snow.
EXAMPLE
Kinder freuen sich immer über den ersten Schneefall im Winter.
Children are always happy about the first snowfall in winter.
Typical adjectives
'Schneefall' (snowfall) is very often combined with adjectives that describe its intensity. Typical phrases are 'starker' (heavy), 'leichter' (light), 'heftiger' (severe/heavy), or 'plötzlicher' (sudden) snowfall.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des plötzlichen, starken Schneefalls kam es zu langen Staus.
Because of the sudden, heavy snowfall, there were long traffic jams.
Use with 'wegen'
To express a reason, 'Schneefall' (snowfall) is frequently used with the preposition 'wegen' (because of) and the genitive. This is typical in news reports or official announcements.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des anhaltenden Schneefalls bleiben die Schulen morgen geschlossen.
Because of the ongoing snowfall, schools will remain closed tomorrow.
Compare with
Schneefall vs Schnee
snow
Schnee usually refers to the white ice crystals as a substance or to the layer of snow that has formed. Schneefall more precisely refers to the process of snow falling from the clouds. When the weather event itself is meant, Schneefall is therefore more unambiguous.
Schneefall
Am Morgen erschwerte starker Schneefall die Fahrt auf den Straßen.
In the morning, heavy snowfall made driving on the streets more difficult.
Schnee
Am Morgen lag frischer Schnee auf den Straßen.
In the morning, fresh snow lay on the streets.
In real life
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