noun
die Lawine, -n
avalanche
Definition & meaning
A Lawine refers to a large mass of snow, ice, and rocks that slides or falls rapidly down a mountainside.
Beyond the literal sense, it is frequently used metaphorically in German to describe a sudden, overwhelming, or unstoppable accumulation of things, such as information, requests, or events. For instance, "eine Lawine von Beschwerden" (an avalanche of complaints).
Grammar & Word origin
- Grammar: It is a feminine noun (die Lawine). The plural form is die Lawinen.
- Origin: The word originates from the Alpine region. It is derived from the Middle High German laba or lavine, which traces back to the Vulgar Latin labina (sliding). It is linguistically related to the Latin labi (to slide, to slip).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Schneelawine (specifically a snow avalanche)
- Sturzflut (metaphorically, in the sense of a sudden rush)
- Mure (a mudslide or debris flow, often associated with similar downhill movement)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Die Lawine kommt den Berg hinunter.noun
The avalanche comes down the mountain.
Die Lawine verschüttete mehrere Wege im Tal.noun
The avalanche buried several paths in the valley.
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