Flutwelle
/ˈfluːtˌvɛlə/feminine
The English phrase 'tidal wave' can be translated into German as Flutwelle or Tsunami.
Meaning: tsunami (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Flutwelle | /ˈfluːtˌvɛlə/ | feminine |
| Tsunami | /t͡suˈnaːmi/ | masculine |
Both terms are used to describe a tidal wave or tsunami in German.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Flutwelle is a compound of Flut (flood/tide) and Welle (wave).
Which one should you use?
While Flutwelle is a descriptive term for a tidal wave, Tsunami is the more common scientific and media term used in German to describe the specific seismic phenomenon.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Flutwelle is feminine and takes the article die in the nominative case. The noun Tsunami is masculine and takes the article der in the nominative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfluːtˌvɛlə/
Did you know?
- In official German weather warnings, the term Tsunami is preferred over Flutwelle because a 'tidal wave' is technically caused by tides, whereas a tsunami is caused by seismic activity.
- The word Tsunami is a direct loanword from the Japanese 津波, meaning 'harbour wave'.
- In German, the word Flut can also refer to a 'deluge' or a 'flood' in a metaphorical sense, such as a Flut von Fragen, meaning a 'flood of questions'.
Examples in context
- Sie wurden nicht vor der Flutwelle gewarnt.They weren't warned of the tidal wave.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use Flutwelle when talking about a warning.Tatoeba #798951 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #307183 by CK
- Der Tsunami verursachte eine gewaltige FlutwelleThe tsunami caused a massive tidal wave
- Die Flutwelle zerstörte das kleine Dorf.The tidal wave destroyed the small village.
- Eine riesige Flutwelle kam auf die Küste zu.A huge tidal wave approached the coast.
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are watching a documentary about natural disasters on television.
- FelixHast du jemals eine Flutwelle in echt gesehen?Have you ever seen a tidal wave in person?
- SarahNein, Felix, das wäre viel zu gefährlich.No, Felix, that would be much too dangerous.
- FelixDie Kraft einer Flutwelle ist wirklich erschreckend.The power of a tidal wave is truly terrifying.
- SarahJa, die Natur kann sehr unberechenbar sein.Yes, nature can be very unpredictable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tidal wave” translations and entries Flutwelle, Tsunami, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Flutwelle, Tsunami, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
