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.
dirtiness / stain
The state of being dirty, or a specific spot that is dirty.
Nach dem Malen war die Verschmutzung auf dem Teppich nur schwer zu entfernen.
After painting, the stain on the carpet was very difficult to remove.
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.
contamination / impurity
Both words can refer to something undesirable that makes a surface or material dirty. „Verunreinigung“ sounds factual and technical and can refer to the substance causing the contamination. „Verschmutzung“ usually describes the dirty condition in general or the specific dirty spot.
Nach dem Fest blieb eine starke Verschmutzung auf dem Boden zurück.
After the party, a large amount of dirt was left on the floor.
Im Labor wurde eine Verunreinigung im Trinkwasser entdeckt.
Contamination was discovered in the drinking water at the laboratory.
