weather / scent
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weather
The general character of the weather at a particular place over a short period of time, from hours to days, including temperature, precipitation, and wind.
Wegen der rauen Witterung in den Bergen mussten die Wanderer umkehren.
Because of the harsh weather in the mountains, the hikers had to turn back.
scent
In hunting language, the smell of a wild animal that a hunting dog can perceive and follow with its sense of smell.
Der Hund hatte die Witterung des Rehs aufgenommen und verfolgte die Spur.
The dog had picked up the scent of the deer and followed the trail.
to have a nose for
Figuratively, a keen sense or the ability to sense something or recognize a favorable opportunity.
Als erfahrener Journalist hatte er sofort Witterung für eine große Story.
As an experienced journalist, he immediately had a nose for a big story.
'Witterung' (weather / scent) is closely related to the verb 'wittern' (to smell, to sense, to suspect) and the noun 'Wetter' (weather). This connection helps you understand all three meanings: sensing the weather, sensing the smell of an animal, or sensing an opportunity.
Das Pferd witterte Gefahr und wurde unruhig.
The horse sensed danger and became restless.
In the meaning 'Wetter' (weather), 'Witterung' belongs to an elevated or official style. You often find it in reports, in agriculture, or in literature.
Die empfindlichen Pflanzen müssen vor der rauen Witterung geschützt werden.
The sensitive plants must be protected from the harsh weather.
The meaning 'Geruch eines Wildtieres' (scent of a wild animal) is technical language and is used almost exclusively in hunting language. A typical combination is 'Witterung aufnehmen' (to pick up a scent).
Der Jagdhund verlor plötzlich die Witterung.
The hunting dog suddenly lost the scent.
The figurative meaning is almost always used in the fixed expression 'Witterung für etwas haben' (to have a nose for something). 'Etwas' is in the accusative. The expression means to have a good instinct for something.
Die Reporterin hat eine gute Witterung für spannende Geschichten.
The reporter has a good nose for exciting stories.
weather
Both words describe atmospheric conditions such as rain, wind, or temperature. „Das Wetter“ is the neutral and common everyday term, while „die Witterung“ tends to refer to the course and character of the weather over several hours or days and sounds more formal. In everyday speech, „Wetter“ is usually the better choice; in factual descriptions, „Witterung“ is more suitable.
Wegen der winterlichen Witterung mussten die Bauarbeiten mehrere Tage unterbrochen werden.
Because of the wintry weather conditions, the construction work had to be interrupted for several days.
Wegen des schlechten Wetters mussten wir die Bauarbeiten mehrere Tage unterbrechen.
Because of the bad weather, we had to interrupt the construction work for several days.
