stinken
stink
Ein sehr unangenehmen Geruch haben, der andere stört.
The German word "stinken" is a verb that means "to stink" or "to smell bad." It describes the emission of an unpleasant odor, often associated with decaying organic matter, waste, or strong chemicals. The word is used literally, but can also be applied figuratively, for example, to describe an unpleasant situation or behavior.
Similar words in German include "riechen" (to smell, which is neutral and can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant smells) and "duften" (to smell good or exude a pleasant aroma).
Differences:
- Stinken is specifically negative and connotes an awful smell.
- Riechen is more neutral and can describe pleasant or unpleasant smells.
- Duften implies a positive smell, often associated with perfumes, flowers, or food.
In summary, "stinken" indicates a definite negative odor, whereas the others are more neutral or positive in connotation.
Make “stinken” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Es stinkt in diesem Raum.verb
It stinks in this room.
Seine Schuhe stinken nach dem Regen.verb
His shoes stink after the rain.
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