Germans love talking about the weather, and knowing how to describe hot weather is a useful skill when visiting a German-speaking country or conversing with native speakers. Whether you want to express it formally or informally, this guide will provide you with different ways to say “it is hot” in German, along with various tips and examples to help you master this expression.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “It is Hot”
When speaking in formal settings, such as a professional or academic environment, it’s important to use the appropriate language. Here are some formal ways to express that “it is hot” in German:
1. Es ist heiß (pronounced: es ist hays) – This is the most straightforward and commonly used phrase to say “it is hot” formally in German. It works in most situations and is widely understood.
2. Es ist warm (pronounced: es ist varm) – If the weather is not extremely hot, but rather warm, using this phrase is more suitable. It translates to “it is warm” and is a polite way to describe hot weather.
3. Es herrscht Hitze (pronounced: es haresht heetse) – This phrase literally means “there is heat” and can be used to convey the idea of a heatwave or particularly hot weather.
In formal conversations, using the appropriate phrases shows respect and consideration for the listener. Now, let’s explore some informal ways to say “it is hot” in German.
2. Informal Ways to Say “It is Hot”
Informal language is used when addressing friends, family members, or people you are familiar with. Here are some informal phrases to express hot weather in German:
1. Es ist mega heiß (pronounced: es ist mega hays) – The word “mega” is borrowed from English and means “very” or “super.” Adding it to the phrase emphasizes the intensity of the heat. This expression is commonly used among friends.
2. Es ist heiß wie in der Sauna (pronounced: es ist hays vee in der zow-na) – This humorous phrase, which means “it is as hot as in a sauna,” is often used to exaggerate how hot it feels. It adds a touch of playfulness to informal conversations.
3. Es ist brütend heiß (pronounced: es ist broytend hays) – The word “brütend” translates to “brooding” or “sweltering.” Using this phrase captures the notion of oppressive heat, making it a popular choice among friends and family.
Informal expressions allow you to show familiarity and engage in more relaxed conversations. Now, let’s look at a few tips to help you navigate regional variations in Germany.
3. Regional Variations
Germany is known for its regional variations in dialects and expressions. While the formal and informal phrases mentioned earlier are universally understood, some regional dialects have their own unique ways of saying “it is hot.” Here are a few examples:
- Bavarian: In Bavaria, a region in southern Germany, you might hear people say “Es is hoaß” (pronounced: es is hoass). This is the Bavarian dialect’s rendition of “It is hot.”
- Ruhr region: In the Ruhr region, which includes cities like Dortmund and Essen, locals might say “Et is heiß” (pronounced: et is heiss) instead.
While these regional variations are interesting to note, they are not necessary for everyday conversations. Mastering the standard phrases mentioned earlier will serve you well in most German-speaking regions.
4. Recap and Practice
Let’s quickly summarize what we’ve covered. In formal situations, you can use phrases such as “Es ist heiß,” “Es ist warm,” or “Es herrscht Hitze.” For more informal conversations, consider expressions like “Es ist mega heiß,” “Es ist heiß wie in der Sauna,” or “Es ist brütend heiß.” Remember, these phrases can help you navigate various social contexts in German-speaking countries.
To further solidify your understanding and practice these phrases, here are a few examples:
Example 1:
Formal: Es ist heute wirklich heiß. Bitte trinken Sie ausreichend Wasser. (It is really hot today. Please drink enough water.)
Informal: Boah, es ist mega heiß heute! Lass uns eine Abkühlung im Schwimmbad suchen. (Wow, it is super hot today! Let’s find some refreshment at the swimming pool.)
Example 2:
Formal: Es herrscht eine extreme Hitzeperiode in diesem Sommer. (There is an extreme heatwave this summer.)
Informal: Ey, es ist heiß wie in der Sauna hier! Lass uns zur Eisdiele gehen und eine Kugel Eis holen. (Hey, it is as hot as in a sauna here! Let’s go to the ice cream parlor and get a scoop of ice cream.)
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these expressions whenever you get the chance.
With this guide, you are now equipped with both formal and informal ways to say “it is hot” in German. These phrases will help you confidently discuss the weather and engage in conversations with native speakers. Enjoy using your newfound language skills and stay cool!
