Sturm
/ʃtʊrm/masculine
The English word "storm" is translated into German as Sturm.
Sturm is the standard noun used to describe a disturbed state of the atmosphere that causes unpleasant or destructive weather. You can use the word Wetterphänomen to refer to a storm as a general weather phenomenon. If you need to refer to severe weather conditions, such as storms, heavy rain or hurricanes, in a formal context, use Unwetter. To describe the intensity of a storm, you can use the adjectives stark (strong), heftig (intense) or schlimm (terrible). To describe the arrival or movement of a storm, you can use the verbs kommen (to come) or aufziehen (to approach), while the verb toben can be used to say a storm is raging.
Meaning: disturbed state of the atmosphere causing destructive or unpleasant weather (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Sturm is a masculine noun. The plural form is Stürme. In the genitive case, Sturm takes the ending -s, becoming des Sturms (of the storm). Related to the noun, the verb stürmen means to violently assault a building or a fortified position to gain control of it.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtʊrm/
Did you know?
- In a German kitchen, you might encounter a 'Sturm' in a completely different sense. While the noun refers to weather, the related word 'Sturm' can also refer to a specific type of young, partially fermented grape juice.
- The German word Sturm is a linguistic rebel. While almost all other Germanic languages changed the 'u' to an 'o' during a historical process called a-mutation, German kept its original 'u' sound.
- The word Sturm is used in the name of Sturm und Drang, a proto-Romantic movement in German literature and music that emphasized individual subjectivity and extreme emotion.
Examples in context
- Der Sturm ließ nach.The storm let up.This sentence shows the use of Sturm to indicate a storm letting up.Tatoeba #2351875 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2259435 by _undertoad
- Der Sturm legte sich.The storm abated.This sentence shows the use of Sturm to indicate a storm abating.Tatoeba #8059299 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #67429 by CM
- Ein Sturm zieht heran.A storm is imminent.This sentence shows the use of Sturm to describe a storm approaching.Tatoeba #2020597 by al_ex_an_der, translation #241717 by CM
- Es gibt ein heftiges Gewitter.There is a severe thunderstorm.
- Nach dem Unwetter waren viele Straßen überflutet.After the storm, many streets were flooded.
- Es wird ein heftiger Sturm kommen.A strong storm is coming.
- Heute Nacht gab es ein schlimmes Unwetter.There was a terrible storm last night.
- Morgen wird es ein Gewitter geben.There will be a thunderstorm tomorrow.
- Stürme sind starke Wetterphänomene.Storms are strong weather phenomena.
- Das Gewitter gestern war sehr beeindruckend mit Blitz und Donner.Yesterday's thunderstorm was very impressive with lightning and thunder.
- Der Sturm war sehr stark und hat viele Bäume umgeworfen.The storm was very strong and knocked down many trees.
- Der Sturm kommt immer näher.The storm is coming closer.
- 211 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are looking out the window at the dark sky.
- HannahEin heftiger Sturm kommt auf.A heavy storm is coming.
- JulianJa, der Sturm sieht gefährlich aus.Yes, the storm looks dangerous.
- HannahWir sollten die Fenster schließen.We should close the windows.
- JulianIch mache das sofort, Hannah.I will do that immediately, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “storm” translations and entries Sturm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Sturm, sturm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
