Tsunami
/t͡suˈnaːmi/masculine
The English phrase 'tsunami' is translated into German as Tsunami.
Tsunami is a masculine noun used to describe a large, destructive wave generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean.
Meaning: large, destructive wave generally caused by a tremendous disturbance in the ocean (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Tsunami is Tsunamis.
How do you pronounce it?
/tsuˈnaːmi/
Did you know?
- In German, Tsunami is often used metaphorically to describe an overwhelming amount of something, such as a Tsunami of emails or complaints.
- German compound nouns allow for terms like Tsunamiwarnsystem, which combines 'tsunami', 'warning' and 'system' into a single long word.
- The word Tsunami is borrowed directly from Japanese, where it literally means 'harbour wave'.
Examples in context
- Der Tsunamialarm wurde aufgehoben.The tsunami alert was cancelled.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the word with the term for a tsunami alert.Tatoeba #966130 by Sudajaengi, translation #828794 by Scott
- Das Erdbeben löste einen Tsunami aus.The earthquake caused a tsunami.This sentence shows how an earthquake can cause a Tsunami.Tatoeba #12828623 by Waldelfe, translation #8979509 by mccarras
- Ein Tsunami nähert sich. Seien Sie also bitte auf der Hut!A tsunami is coming, so please be on the alert.This sentence demonstrates how to use Tsunami when providing a warning.Tatoeba #2634724 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #792696 by CK
- Ein Tsunami hat große Schäden verursacht.A tsunami caused significant damage.
- Haben Sie von dem Tsunami in [Ort] gehört?Have you heard about the tsunami in [place]?
- Experten warnen vor möglichen Tsunamis an der Küste.Experts warn of possible tsunamis on the coast.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are watching a news report about a natural disaster.
- JuliaHast du von dem Tsunami gehört?Did you hear about the tsunami?
- FelixJa, er war wirklich verheerend.Yes, it was truly devastating.
- JuliaDie Menschen dort haben alles verloren.The people there lost everything.
- FelixDas ist eine schreckliche Nachricht.That is terrible news.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tsunami” translations and entries Tsunami, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tsunami, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
