Gefahr
/ɡəˈfaːɐ̯/
The English word hazard is translated into German as Gefahr.
Gefahr refers to the chance of suffering harm. To express that someone or something is in a state of being at hazard, use the phrase in Gefahr sein. If you want to express the action of taking a risk or to chance something, you can use the verbs riskieren or hasardieren.
Meaning: the chance of suffering harm (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Gefahr is the general word for hazard or danger, Risiko is used specifically when referring to a calculated risk or a mathematical probability. Additionally, Bedrohung primarily means threat, though it can also be used to convey a hazardous situation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Gefahr is a feminine noun, used with the definite article die Gefahr. The plural form of the word is Gefahren.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈfaːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- The word Gefahr traces back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'travel' or 'journey'.
- The term Gefahr im Verzug is a legal phrase used by German police to justify entering a home without a warrant when there is an immediate hazard.
- While Gefahr means danger, the verb hasardieren comes from the French word 'hasard' and specifically describes gambling or taking reckless risks.
Examples in context
- Im Park des Gutshofes stehen jahrhundertealte Bäume. Einer davon droht nun zur Gefahr zu werden.There are trees in the grounds of the estate which are hundreds of years old. One of them is now threatening to become a hazard.This sentence shows how a tree can be described as threatening to become a Gefahr.Tatoeba #7285987 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11505572 by sundown
- Das ist eine Gefahr für deine Gesundheit.This is a hazard to your health.This sentence illustrates how to describe something as a Gefahr to one's health.Tatoeba #365421 by Wolf, translation #55988 by CK
- Es besteht GefahrThere is a hazard.
- Die Gefährdung ist zu großThe hazard is too great.
- Pass auf, Gefahr!Be careful, danger!
- Sei vorsichtig, die Baustelle ist eine GefahrenquelleBe careful, the construction site is a hazard/dangerous source.
- Das ist ein hohes RisikoThat's a high-risk situation.
- Die Baustelle stellt eine große Gefahr dar.The construction site represents a great hazard.
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are hiking in the mountains.
- JuliaPass auf, dort ist es eine Gefahr.Watch out, it's a hazard over there.
- JulianWas meinst du genau, Julia?What exactly do you mean, Julia?
- JuliaDie Steine könnten jederzeit herunterfallen.The rocks could fall down at any time.
- JulianDanke für den Hinweis, Julian geht vorsichtig.Thanks for the hint, Julian will go carefully.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
