Gefahr
/ɡəˈfaːɐ̯/feminine
The German word for danger is Gefahr.
Gefahr is a noun used to describe exposure to likely harm. To express that someone is currently in a state of danger, use the phrase in Gefahr sein. The adjective form of the noun Gefahr is gefährlich.
Meaning: exposure to likely harm (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Gefahr is a feminine noun. Because 'Gefahr' is a feminine noun, it changes to 'der Gefahr' in the genitive and dative cases.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈfaːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Gefahr is used in the expression in Gefahr schweben, which literally means to 'hover' in danger.
- Even though 'fear' in English implies a feeling of being afraid, the original root of Gefahr simply referred to the act of traveling or a journey.
- While Gefahr describes a general threat, Germans use the word Gefährdung specifically when discussing the legal or technical act of endangering someone.
Examples in context
- Er ist in Gefahr.He's in danger.This sentence is useful for stating that a male subject is in danger.Tatoeba #1654382 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1651932 by Spamster
- Ich bin in Gefahr.I'm in danger.This sentence is useful for stating that the speaker is in danger.Tatoeba #2562371 by ieflicca, translation #2248033 by CK
- Bist du in Gefahr?Are you in danger?This sentence is useful for asking if a person is in danger.Tatoeba #7478567 by Yorwba, translation #2648576 by CK
- Achtung! Lebensgefahr!Attention! Danger to life!
- Dieser Bereich birgt ein hohes Risiko!This area carries a high risk!
- Risiko von ErdrutschenRisk of landslides
- Vorsicht vor dem herumliegenden Gerümpel!Watch out for the debris lying around!
- Vorsicht! Stolpergefahr!Caution! Risk of tripping!
- Achtung! Fahrradfahrer!Attention! Cyclists!
- Achtung, nasses Parkett!Alert, wet parquet flooring!
- 266 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are hiking near a steep cliff.
- SarahGeh nicht zu nah an den Rand, Felix.Don't go too close to the edge, Felix.
- FelixWarum? Ich passe schon auf.Why? I'm being careful.
- SarahDort besteht eine große Gefahr!There is a great danger there!
- FelixDu hast recht, ich gehe zurück.You're right, I'll go back.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “danger” translations and entries Gefahr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gefahr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
