German Names of 50 Common Weather Terms: A Beginner’s Guide for Weather Enthusiasts

Whether you're travelling in a German-speaking country, discussing the forecast with locals, or just interested in learning about meteorology in German, knowing the right vocabulary is essential for talking about the weather. From sunny days to stormy conditions, mastering German weather terms will help you describe the climate, interpret forecasts, and engage in conversations about the weather.

In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to 50 common German weather terms, categorised into general weather terms, types of precipitation, temperature and climate, weather phenomena, and weather forecasting. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to discuss the weather, understand forecasts, and talk about different weather conditions in German.

1. General Weather Terms (Allgemeine Wetterbegriffe)

These basic weather terms are useful for discussing the overall climate, general weather patterns, and everyday conversations about how the weather is in a German-speaking environment.

1. Das Wetter – Weather

2. Die Vorhersage – Forecast

3. Das Klima – Climate

4. Der Himmel – Sky

5. Die Wolke – Cloud

6. Das Hochdruckgebiet – High-pressure area

7. Das Tiefdruckgebiet – Low-pressure area

8. Die Luftfeuchtigkeit – Humidity

9. Der Wind – Wind

10. Die Wetterlage – Weather situation

Tip: Use these terms to talk about the weather: "Das Wetter ist heute schön, der Himmel ist klar und es gibt nur wenige Wolken." (The weather is nice today, the sky is clear, and there are only a few clouds.)

2. Types of Precipitation (Niederschlagsarten)

Precipitation is a key part of the weather, whether it’s raining, snowing, or hailing. These German terms will help you describe different types of precipitation, so you can talk about weather conditions accurately.

11. Der Regen – Rain

12. Der Schnee – Snow

13. Der Hagel – Hail

14. Der Nieselregen – Drizzle

15. Der Schauer – Shower (rain shower)

16. Der Regenguss – Downpour

17. Das Gewitter – Thunderstorm

18. Der Schneefall – Snowfall

19. Der Schneeregen – Sleet

20. Der Nebel – Fog

Tip: Talk about precipitation: "Es regnet heute stark, und es besteht die Möglichkeit, dass es später hagelt." (It’s raining heavily today, and there’s a chance of hail later.)

3. Temperature and Climate (Temperatur und Klima)

Temperature and climate vary greatly depending on the region and season. These German terms will help you talk about hot and cold temperatures, as well as long-term weather patterns.

21. Die Temperatur – Temperature

22. Heiß – Hot

23. Warm – Warm

24. Kühl – Cool

25. Kalt – Cold

26. Der Frost – Frost

27. Der Hitzewelle – Heatwave

28. Der Gefrierpunkt – Freezing point

29. Das Frühlingswetter – Spring weather

30. Das Winterwetter – Winter weather

Tip: Discuss temperature and climate: "Es ist heute kühl, und die Temperaturen sinken in der Nacht unter den Gefrierpunkt." (It’s cool today, and the temperatures will drop below freezing at night.)

4. Weather Phenomena (Wetterphänomene)

Weather phenomena can range from natural occurrences like storms and winds to more extreme events like hurricanes and tornadoes. These German terms will help you discuss various weather phenomena.

31. Der Sturm – Storm

32. Das Unwetter – Severe weather

33. Der Blitz – Lightning

34. Der Donner – Thunder

35. Der Tornado – Tornado

36. Der Hurrikan – Hurricane

37. Der Wirbelsturm – Cyclone

38. Der Regenbogen – Rainbow

39. Der Orkan – Gale/Storm

40. Der Schneesturm – Snowstorm

Tip: Talk about weather phenomena: "Gestern hat ein starker Sturm gewütet, und wir haben Blitze und Donner gesehen." (Yesterday, a strong storm raged, and we saw lightning and thunder.)

5. Weather Forecasting (Wettervorhersage)

Being able to interpret and discuss weather forecasts is important for planning your day or understanding changing weather conditions. These German terms will help you talk about the weather forecast and meteorological data.

41. Die Wettervorhersage – Weather forecast

42. Das Barometer – Barometer

43. Die Windgeschwindigkeit – Wind speed

44. Die Sichtweite – Visibility

45. Der Luftdruck – Air pressure

46. Die Wetteraussichten – Weather outlook

47. Der Sonnenaufgang – Sunrise

48. Der Sonnenuntergang – Sunset

49. Der Wetterdienst – Weather service

50. Das Wetterradar – Weather radar

Tip: Talk about the forecast: "Laut Wettervorhersage wird es morgen windig mit starker Bewölkung und möglichem Regen." (According to the weather forecast, it will be windy tomorrow with heavy clouds and possible rain.)

How to Memorise German Weather Vocabulary

Learning 50 new German weather terms might seem overwhelming, but with regular practice and exposure to these terms in everyday contexts, you’ll quickly master the vocabulary. Here are some tips to help you memorise and use these terms effectively:

1. Use German When Checking the Weather

As you check the weather in your region or a German-speaking area, try using the German terms to describe the conditions. For example, say "Regen" (rain) or "Sonnenschein" (sunshine) when discussing the day’s forecast.

2. Watch German Weather Reports

Watching German-language weather forecasts on TV or online will expose you to the vocabulary in context. Pay attention to how meteorologists describe weather conditions and forecasts, and try to incorporate those phrases into your conversations.

3. Practice with Friends or Fellow Learners

If you're learning German with others, practice discussing the weather in German. You can compare the weather in different cities or talk about your favourite seasons using the vocabulary you’ve learned.

4. Use Flashcards for Key Terms

Create flashcards with the German term on one side and the English translation on the other. Apps like Quizlet or Anki are great tools for reviewing flashcards regularly and reinforcing your vocabulary.

Conclusion

Learning the German names for common weather terms is essential for understanding forecasts, discussing the weather, and navigating your day-to-day life in German-speaking regions. Whether you're talking about the forecast, interpreting weather conditions, or planning outdoor activities, having the right vocabulary will help you engage in weather-related conversations confidently.

By practising these words regularly, watching German weather reports, and using them in your daily conversations, you’ll quickly become more comfortable discussing the weather in German. If you're looking to expand your weather-related vocabulary or improve your German skills, consider taking German lessons online with Olesen Tuition. Our expert tutors can help you master German for all kinds of conversations, including discussing the weather.

Bleiben Sie auf dem Laufenden über das Wetter! (Stay up-to-date with the weather!)