Geruch
/ɡəˈʁʊχ/masculine
The English word 'smell' is translated into German as Geruch.
Geruch is a neutral term used to describe a sensation or an odor. If you want to use a verb to describe the act of smelling, use riechen. If you want to specifically emphasize that a smell is bad or foul, use the verb stinken.
Meaning: sensation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Geruch is the neutral noun for a smell, the related verb riechen refers to the sense or the act of smelling. In contrast, the verb stinken is used specifically when a smell is unpleasant or foul.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Geruch is a masculine noun and is used with the article der. The plural form is Gerüche.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈʁʊχ/
Did you know?
- The word stinken is so powerful that it is often used metaphorically to mean that a situation is 'fishy' or corrupt, as in Die Sache stinkt.
- While Geruch is neutral, Germans often use the word Duft to describe a pleasant scent. Using Geruch for a perfume might sound clinically detached or slightly suspicious.
- The noun Geruch is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'smoke'.
Examples in context
- Der Geruch war widerlich.The smell was offensive.This sentence uses Geruch to describe an offensive smell.Tatoeba #766059 by al_ex_an_der, translation #681612 by Source_VOA
- Der Geruch war grässlich.The smell was horrible.This sentence uses Geruch to describe a horrible smell.Tatoeba #1705102 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3752937 by cromwellt
- Der Geruch ist widerlich.The smell is foul.This sentence uses Geruch to describe a foul smell.Tatoeba #12493746 by Waldelfe, translation #12438894 by sundown
- Der Geruch der Blumen ist sehr angenehm.The smell of the flowers is very pleasant.
- Das Parfüm hat einen angenehmen Duft.The perfume has a pleasant smell.
- Was ist das für ein Gestank?What is that smell?
- Diese Blumen duften herrlich!These flowers smell amazing!
- Lass uns mal an den Blumen schnüffeln!Let's sniff the flowers!
- 106 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are walking through a park.
- MaximilianLaura, der Geruch der Rosen ist toll!Laura, the smell of the roses is great!
- LauraJa, er ist wirklich sehr süß.Yes, it is really very sweet.
- MaximilianIch liebe diesen natürlichen Geruch.I love this natural smell.
- LauraIch auch, es entspannt mich sehr.Me too, it relaxes me a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smell” translations and entries Geruch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Geruch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
