Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “rainy” in German!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Rainy
When speaking formally in German, you can use the following phrases to describe a rainy day:
1. Es ist regnerisch
This is a simple and straightforward way to say “it is rainy” in German. It is commonly used in formal conversations and is easily understood by native speakers. For example:
Person A: Wie ist das Wetter heute? (What’s the weather like today?)
Person B: Es ist regnerisch. (It is rainy.)
2. Es gibt Regen
This phrase translates to “there is rain” and is often used formally to describe rainy weather. It emphasizes the presence of rain. Here’s an example:
Person A: Wie ist das Wetter in der Stadt? (What’s the weather like in the city?)
Person B: Es gibt Regen. (There is rain.)
3. Es regnet
This phrase means “it is raining.” It is a formal and concise way to convey that it’s rainy outside. Here’s an example to help you understand:
Person A: Hast du einen Regenschirm? (Do you have an umbrella?)
Person B: Ja, es regnet draußen. (Yes, it’s raining outside.)
Informal Ways to Say Rainy
If you’re in an informal setting, you can use these phrases to describe rainy weather:
1. Es ist nass draußen
This phrase means “it is wet outside.” While it doesn’t explicitly state “rainy,” it implies that the weather is rainy. Here’s an example:
Person A: Was sollen wir bei diesem Wetter machen? (What should we do in this weather?)
Person B: Es ist nass draußen. Vielleicht können wir einen Film schauen. (It’s wet outside. Maybe we can watch a movie.)
2. Es schüttet
This phrase translates to “it is pouring.” It is often used to describe heavy rain, and in an informal context, it can be an expressive way to say it’s rainy. Consider the following example:
Person A: Bist du bereit, nach draußen zu gehen? (Are you ready to go outside?)
Person B: Warte einen Moment, es schüttet draußen! (Wait a moment, it is pouring outside!)
3. Es regnet Bindfäden
This phrase literally translates to “it is raining strings.” It is a creative and informal way to describe heavy rain. Here’s an example:
Person A: Hast du Lust, spazieren zu gehen? (Do you feel like going for a walk?)
Person B: Nein, es regnet Bindfäden! (No, it’s raining strings!)
Regional Variations
German is spoken in various regions, and some areas may have unique expressions to describe rainy weather. Here are a couple of examples:
1. Plattdeutsch: Et regent
In the Low German dialect, which is spoken in the northern parts of Germany, “et regent” is commonly used to mean “it is raining.” Here’s an example:
Person A: Watt moken wi vandaag? (What should we do today?)
Person B: Et regent. Lütt inne Stuuv blijben? (It’s raining. Shall we stay indoors?)
2. Austrian German: Es rinnt
In Austria, the phrase “es rinnt” is often used instead of the standard “es regnet.” This distinction reflects regional variations within the German language. Consider the following example:
Person A: Wia schaut’s aus mit dem Wetta? (What’s the weather like?)
Person B: Es rinnt. I wüd a Regnschirm no mitnehmen. (It’s raining. I would take an umbrella with me.)
Conclusion
Now, armed with this guide, you can confidently express rainy weather in different situations and settings. Whether you need to describe it formally or informally, you have a variety of phrases to choose from. Remember, language is diverse and can vary depending on the region, so understanding regional variations may also enrich your vocabulary. So, be sure to pack an umbrella and enjoy conversing about the weather in German!
