die Asche, -n
ash
Definition & meaning
The word Asche primarily refers to the solid, powdery residue that remains after a substance (such as wood, coal, or tobacco) has been completely burned. It consists of the non-combustible, inorganic parts of the original material.
In a figurative or colloquial sense, Asche has a second meaning:
- Money: Much like the English slang "dough" or "bread," Germans use Asche as a casual way to refer to money. This is similar to other fuel-related slang terms for currency, such as Kohle (coal).
Grammar & Word origin
Asche is a feminine noun (die Asche). It is generally used as a mass noun in the singular. While a plural form (die Aschen) exists, it is rarely used outside of specific scientific or technical contexts where different types of ash are being compared.
The word originates from the Middle High German asche and Old High German asca. It shares its roots with the English word ash and the Dutch as, all stemming from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "to burn" or "to be dry."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms for the residue:
- Staub (dust) - often used to describe very fine ash.
- Verbrennungsrückstand (combustion residue) - a formal or technical term.
Synonyms for money (slang):
- Geld (money) - the standard term.
- Kohle (coal) - the most common synonym in this context.
- Knete (dough/clay).
- Moos (moss).
Antonyms:
Make “Asche” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Asche bleibt nach dem Feuer übrig.noun
The ash remains after the fire.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad