A place in a river or stream where the water plunges down over a rocky edge or steep slope.
example
Die Krimmler Wasserfälle in Österreich gehören zu den höchsten in Europa.
The Krimml Waterfalls in Austria are among the highest in Europe.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a clear compound of 'das Wasser' (water) and 'der Fall' (fall, from the verb 'fallen' (to fall)). So it literally describes a place where water falls or plunges down.
EXAMPLE
Hinter dem Wasserfall war eine kleine Höhle versteckt.
A small cave was hidden behind the waterfall.
Typical adjectives
A waterfall is often described with adjectives that emphasize its power or size. Common combinations are 'ein hoher Wasserfall' (a high waterfall), 'ein tosender Wasserfall' (a roaring waterfall), or 'ein beeindruckender Wasserfall' (an impressive waterfall).
EXAMPLE
Wir standen vor einem tosenden Wasserfall und konnten unser eigenes Wort nicht verstehen.
We stood in front of a roaring waterfall and couldn't hear ourselves speak.
Correct preposition
To indicate a position, you use 'an dem' (am) Wasserfall (at the waterfall). To express movement toward it, you say 'zu dem' (zum) Wasserfall (to the waterfall).