Dampf
Meaning and Usage
"Dampf" in German translates to "steam" in English. It is commonly used to refer to the gaseous state of water when heated to the point of vaporization, as well as in various idiomatic expressions.
Linguistic Analysis
"Dampf" is a singular masculine noun. It does not have any prefix or suffix. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old High German word "damph," which has the same meaning.
Comparisons between German and English
The word "Dampf" in German directly corresponds to "steam" in English. Both words are used to describe the gaseous form of water.
Cultural Context
In German culture, "Dampf" is widely used in expressions such as "Dampf ablassen" (to let off steam) to convey the idea of releasing pent-up emotions or frustration.
Example Sentences
- Der heiße Dampf stieg aus dem Topf empor. (The hot steam rose from the pot.)
- Nach dem langen Arbeitstag muss man manchmal einfach Dampf ablassen. (After a long day of work, sometimes you just need to let off steam.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "Dampf," you can associate it with the steam rising from a "damp" or wet object.
Additional Vocabulary
- verb: dampfen (to steam)
- adjective: dampfig (steamy)
- related noun: Dampflokomotive (steam locomotive)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
Gender: masculine Plural: die Dämpfe
Conjugation (for verbs)
Present Tense of "dampfen":
- ich dampfe (I steam)
- du dampfst (you steam)
- er/sie/es dampft (he/she/it steams)
- wir dampfen (we steam)
- ihr dampft (you pl. steam)
- sie dampfen (they steam)