Abholzung
/ˈapˌhɔltsʊŋ/feminine
Deforestation in German is Abholzung. Wiktionary also lists Entwaldung.
Meaning: process of destroying a forest (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Abholzung | /ˈapˌhɔltsʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Entwaldung | /ɛntˈvaldʊŋ/ | feminine |
Both terms describe the process of destroying a forest.
What does it mean word for word?
Abholzung is composed of the prefix ab (off/away) and Holz (wood/timber), literally meaning 'the removal of wood'. Entwaldung is composed of the prefix ent (removal/deprivation) and Wald (forest), literally meaning 'the removal of forest'.
Which one should you use?
Abholzung often refers specifically to the act of cutting down trees for timber or wood products. In contrast, Entwaldung refers more broadly to the clearing of forests.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Abholzung and Entwaldung are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈapˌhɔltsʊŋ/
Did you know?
- While Abholzung describes the act of cutting trees, German has a specific term Waldsterben for 'forest dieback', referring to the death of forests caused by air pollution rather than human clearing.
- The word Wald is the root of the English word 'weald', which originally described the high wooded areas of southeast England.
- While English uses 'forest' as a general term, a German speaker might use Forst when referring specifically to a managed or commercial forest rather than wild nature.
Examples in context
- Ihr Lebensraum ist durch Abholzung bedroht.Their habitat is threatened by deforestation.This sentence is useful for showing how habitat is threatened by Abholzung.Tatoeba #2345428 by christian42, translation #2327359 by Hybrid
- Die Produktion von Palmöl ist die Hauptursache der Entwaldung in Indonesien.Palm oil production is the leading cause of deforestation in Indonesia.This sentence is useful for showing how palm oil production causes Entwaldung.Tatoeba #7716702 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5360659 by Hybrid
- Zwischen 1999 und 2015 sind auf Borneo über 100 000 Orang-Utans infolge der Entwaldung verendet.More than 100,000 orangutans in Borneo died between 1999 and 2015 due to deforestation.This sentence is useful for showing the impact of Entwaldung on wildlife populations.Tatoeba #10356115 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7364313 by Hybrid
- Die Abholzung der Wälder hat zu schwerwiegenden ökologischen Problemen geführt.The deforestation of forests has led to serious ecological problems.
- Die Waldrodung in diesem Gebiet hat dazu geführt, dass viele Tiere ihren Lebensraum verloren haben.The deforestation in this area has caused many animals to lose their habitat.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing environmental issues in class.
- SarahDie Abholzung im Amazonas-Regenwald schreitet schnell voran.The deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is progressing quickly.
- MaximilianDas ist wirklich ein großes Problem für das Klima.That really is a big problem for the climate.
- SarahWir müssen Maßnahmen gegen die Abholzung finden.We must find measures against deforestation.
- MaximilianIch stimme dir vollkommen zu, Sarah.I completely agree with you, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deforestation” translations and entries Abholzung, Entwaldung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
