pollution / dirtiness
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pollution
The contamination of areas of the environment such as air, water, or soil by pollutants.
Die Verschmutzung der Meere durch Plastikmüll ist ein globales Problem.
The pollution of the oceans by plastic waste is a global problem.
This noun belongs to a word family: the base word is 'der Schmutz' (dirt). From this comes the verb 'verschmutzen' (to pollute/dirty), and from that in turn the noun 'die Verschmutzung' (pollution/dirtiness).
Die Fabrik verschmutzt den Fluss mit Chemikalien.
The factory pollutes the river with chemicals.
The meaning depends on the context. If it is about large, global topics such as the environment, air, or water, 'Verschmutzung' (pollution) is meant in the sense of environmental pollution. If it is about clothing, carpets, or small surfaces, it means a specific, local soiling or dirty spot.
Die Politik diskutiert Maßnahmen gegen die Luftverschmutzung in Städten.
Politicians are discussing measures against air pollution in cities.
In environmental contexts, 'Verschmutzung' (pollution) is very often used in compound nouns to specify the topic. The most common are 'Luftverschmutzung' (air pollution), 'Wasserverschmutzung' (water pollution), and 'Umweltverschmutzung' (environmental pollution).
Die Luftverschmutzung ist in Industriegebieten besonders hoch.
Air pollution is especially high in industrial areas.
To name the cause of the pollution, the preposition 'durch' (by/through) followed by the accusative is almost always used.
Die Verschmutzung des Bodens durch Pestizide ist ein ernstes Problem.
The pollution of the soil by pesticides is a serious problem.
burden / load
'die Belastung' and 'die Verschmutzung' can both have to do with harmful substances or dirt. 'Verschmutzung' describes something being dirty, or air, water, or soil being polluted by harmful substances. 'Belastung' more often means how strongly people, the environment, or things are affected by these substances. That is why people often say 'Luftverschmutzung' (air pollution), but also 'eine hohe Belastung durch Abgase' (high exposure to exhaust fumes). The words can be confused because they often occur in the same topic. 'Verschmutzung' more often names the problem itself, while 'Belastung' names the pressure or effect caused by it.
Nach dem Fest war die Verschmutzung im Park deutlich zu sehen.
After the festival, the dirt in the park was clearly visible.
In der Innenstadt ist die Belastung durch Abgase besonders hoch.
In the city center, exposure to exhaust fumes is especially high.