der Poltergeist, -er
poltergeist
The German word "Poltergeist" is a noun composed of two parts:
- Poltern: to make a loud noise or rattle
- Geist: ghost or spirit
Meaning:
A "Poltergeist" is a noisy or mischievous ghost believed to cause disturbances like banging, moving objects, or making loud sounds.
Similar words:
- Gespenst (ghost, apparition)
- Phantom (phantom, ghost)
- Spuk (haunting, spook)
Difference:
While "Gespenst" and "Phantom" refer broadly to ghosts or spirits, a "Poltergeist" specifically denotes a ghost responsible for noisy disturbances or physical phenomena rather than just appearance. "Spuk" emphasizes the event or haunting itself rather than the entity.
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Examples
Glaubst du an gefährliche Poltergeister?noun
Do you believe in dangerous poltergeists?
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