der Wolkenbruch
cloudburst
A sudden, very heavy rainfall that usually lasts only a short time.
EXAMPLE
Ein Wolkenbruch überraschte die Wanderer auf dem Weg zum Bahnhof.
A cloudburst surprised the hikers on their way to the train station.
der Wolkenbruch
cloudburst
der Wolkenbruch, die Wolkenbrüche
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Wolkenbruch, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Wolkenbrüche |
| genitive | des Wolkenbruchs |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Wolkenbruch | die Wolkenbrüche |
| accusative | den Wolkenbruch | die Wolkenbrüche |
| dative | dem Wolkenbruch | den Wolkenbrüchen |
| genitive | des Wolkenbruchs des Wolkenbruches | der Wolkenbrüche |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Wolkenbruch' is made up of 'Wolke' (cloud) and 'Bruch' (break). The image describes rain that suddenly and violently 'breaks out' of the clouds.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Wolkenbruchs mussten die Radfahrer unter einer Brücke Schutz suchen.
Because of the cloudburst, the cyclists had to seek shelter under a bridge.
Typical collocations
Common collocations include 'ein heftiger Wolkenbruch' (a heavy cloudburst), 'von einem Wolkenbruch überrascht werden' (to be surprised by a cloudburst), and 'ein Wolkenbruch geht nieder' (a cloudburst comes down).
EXAMPLE
Ein heftiger Wolkenbruch setzte ein, bevor das Fußballspiel zu Ende war.
A heavy cloudburst began before the soccer game was over.
The preposition 'bei'
When describing a situation during heavy rain, 'bei' (in/during) is often used with the dative: 'bei einem Wolkenbruch' (during a cloudburst).
EXAMPLE
Bei einem Wolkenbruch können Straßen innerhalb weniger Minuten überflutet werden.
During a cloudburst, streets can become flooded within just a few minutes.
In real life
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