severe weather
das Unwetter, die Unwetter
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severe weather
Very bad, often dangerous weather with strong wind, rain, hail, or snow. It can cause damage to buildings and to nature.
Wegen des schweren Unwetters wurden alle Flüge gestrichen.
Because of the severe weather, all flights were canceled.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Unwetter |
| genitive | des Unwetters |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Unwetter | die Unwetter |
| accusative | das Unwetter | die Unwetter |
| dative | dem Unwetter | den Unwettern |
| genitive | des Unwetters | der Unwetter |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word 'Unwetter' (severe weather) consists of the prefix 'un-' and the noun 'Wetter' (weather). The prefix 'un-' here expresses a negative or bad form of something, so literally 'bad weather'.
Die Meteorologen haben für heute Abend ein Unwetter vorhergesagt.
The meteorologists have forecast severe weather for this evening.
Common expressions are 'ein schweres Unwetter' (severe weather/a severe storm), 'ein Unwetter zieht auf' (severe weather is approaching), or 'vor einem Unwetter warnen' (to warn of severe weather). People also often speak of 'Schäden durch das Unwetter' (damage caused by the severe weather).
Der Wetterdienst warnt vor einem schweren Unwetter mit Hagel und Sturm.
The weather service is warning of severe weather with hail and storms.
To give the reason for something, 'Unwetter' (severe weather) is often used with 'wegen' and the genitive. To describe the time or circumstances, you use 'bei' with the dative.
Wegen des Unwetters ist der Strom ausgefallen.
Because of the severe weather, the power went out.
storm
A Sturm primarily refers to a weather event with very strong wind, even when rain or hail is also present. An Unwetter is a more general term for very bad and dangerous weather in which various weather phenomena may occur together. Emphasize the wind with “Sturm” and the severe weather conditions with “Unwetter.”
Das Unwetter beschädigte durch Wind, Hagel und starken Regen mehrere Dächer im Dorf.
The severe weather damaged several roofs in the village with wind, hail, and heavy rain.
Der Sturm beschädigte mehrere Dächer im Dorf.
The storm damaged several roofs in the village.
