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B1 adjective 11 min de lecture

gewittrig

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces gewittrig en 30 secondes
Explication gewittrig in your Level:
At the A1 level, you learn basic weather words like 'Sonne' (sun), 'Regen' (rain), and 'Wind' (wind). 'Gewittrig' is a bit more advanced because it's an adjective formed from the noun 'Gewitter' (thunderstorm). For an A1 student, it's enough to know that 'gewittrig' means 'thundery.' You might use it in a very simple sentence like 'Das Wetter ist gewittrig' (The weather is thundery). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just recognize that the ending '-ig' often makes a noun into an adjective, similar to how 'rain' becomes 'rainy' in English. Think of 'Gewitter' + 'ig'. If you see a lightning bolt on a weather app, that's 'gewittrig.' It's a useful word to know if you're planning a trip to Germany in the summer, as you might hear it on the radio or see it in a simple weather forecast. Remember: 'Sonne' is good, 'Regen' is okay, but 'gewittrig' means you should probably stay inside and wait for the storm to pass.
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At the A2 level, you start to describe your environment in more detail. You can use 'gewittrig' to explain why you are changing your plans. For example, 'Ich bleibe zu Hause, weil es gewittrig ist' (I'm staying home because it's thundery). You should also begin to notice how the adjective changes when it's in front of a noun. In A2, you learn basic adjective endings. So, you might say 'Ein gewittriger Abend' (A thundery evening). You can also use it with 'fühlen' (to feel) to describe the atmosphere: 'Die Luft fühlt sich gewittrig an.' This is a great way to sound more natural when talking about the weather, which is a very common topic in German conversations. You are moving beyond just saying 'It is raining' to describing the *type* of weather more accurately. You should also be able to distinguish 'gewittrig' from 'stürmisch' (windy/stormy) at this level.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to handle everyday situations and express your opinions and feelings. 'Gewittrig' becomes very useful here for describing moods and atmospheres. You can use it metaphorically: 'Die Stimmung im Team war gewittrig' (The mood in the team was thundery/tense). This shows you understand the deeper nuances of the language. In terms of grammar, you should be comfortable with all adjective endings for 'gewittrig' across different cases (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive). You will also encounter 'gewittrig' in more complex reading materials, like local newspaper reports or detailed weather warnings. You should understand that 'gewittrig' implies a specific kind of pressure and electricity in the air. You might also start using it with adverbs to be more precise, such as 'leicht gewittrig' (slightly thundery) or 'zunehmend gewittrig' (increasingly thundery). This is the level where you start to appreciate the 'feeling' of the word, not just its dictionary definition.
At the B2 level, you should be able to follow complex meteorological discussions and understand the word 'gewittrig' in professional or academic contexts. You might read about 'gewittrige Störungen' (thundery disturbances) in a scientific article or hear a pilot use it. Your use of the word should be fluid and natural. You can use it to set the stage in a narrative or a presentation: 'Angesichts der gewittrigen Wetterlage mussten wir das Projekt verschieben' (Given the thundery weather situation, we had to postpone the project). At B2, you also distinguish between 'gewittrig' and 'gewitterhaft,' knowing that the latter is more formal. You can discuss the climate of different regions using the word, comparing the 'gewittrige' summers of the South with the 'windige' summers of the North. Your metaphorical use of the word can also be more sophisticated, describing political climates or historical periods of tension.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the stylistic impact of the word 'gewittrig.' You can use it in creative writing to evoke a specific 'Stimmung' (atmosphere). You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to other words in the 'Wetter' family. You can use it in the genitive case without hesitation: 'Trotz des gewittrigen Wetters...' (Despite the thundery weather...). You also recognize the word in high-level literature, where it might be used to symbolize an internal emotional state or a pending societal shift. You can engage in nuanced debates about weather patterns and their effects on society, using 'gewittrig' as one of many precise descriptors. You are also aware of regional dialects and how they might express 'thundery' conditions differently, though 'gewittrig' remains the standard high German term. Your comprehension is near-native, allowing you to catch the word even in fast-paced radio broadcasts or specialized technical lectures.
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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'gewittrig.' You can use it with absolute precision in any context, from a highly technical meteorological paper to a poetic masterpiece. You understand the subtle differences in meaning when it is paired with various nouns and how those pairings have changed over time in German literature. You might even use the word in an archaic or ironic way to achieve a specific rhetorical effect. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but cultural; you know the 'feeling' of a German 'Sommergewitter' and how the word 'gewittrig' encapsulates that entire cultural and sensory experience. You can switch between 'gewittrig,' 'gewitterhaft,' and more obscure terms like 'gewitterträchtig' (pregnant with thunderstorms) depending on the desired register and nuance. At this level, the word is just one small part of a vast, finely-tuned vocabulary that you use to express complex thoughts with elegance and accuracy.
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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

gewittrig en 30 secondes

  • Gewittrig describes thundery weather or an atmosphere where a storm is imminent.
  • It is derived from the noun 'Gewitter' (thunderstorm) with the suffix '-ig'.
  • Metaphorically, it describes a tense, explosive social or emotional atmosphere.
  • Commonly paired with 'Luft' (air), 'Stimmung' (mood), and 'Wetter' (weather).
The German adjective gewittrig is a specific meteorological descriptor that English speakers often translate as 'thundery' or 'stormy,' but its usage in German carries a heavy sensory and atmospheric weight. It describes a state of the weather or the atmosphere where a thunderstorm is either imminent, currently occurring, or has left the air thick with the preceding tension of an electrical discharge. When a German speaker says the air feels gewittrig, they are likely referring to that oppressive, heavy feeling known as 'Schwüle' (sultriness) combined with the visual cues of darkening, towering clouds (Cumulonimbus). It is not merely about the rain; it is about the electrical potential in the sky. This word is essential for anyone living in Central Europe during the summer months, as 'Sommergewitter' (summer thunderstorms) are a hallmark of the climate. You will find this word used in weather forecasts to warn hikers in the Alps, as 'gewittrige' conditions can turn dangerous in minutes. It evokes the smell of ozone, the sudden drop in temperature, and the eerie silence before the first crack of thunder.
Atmospheric Condition
Describes the physical state of the air when electrical activity is high, often characterized by static and heavy humidity.
Visual Indicators
Used when the sky takes on a leaden, yellowish, or deep purple hue indicative of a brewing storm.
Emotional Nuance
Can metaphorically describe a 'thick' or 'tense' social atmosphere, similar to the 'calm before the storm' in a relationship or a meeting.

Die Luft fühlt sich heute so gewittrig an, dass man kaum atmen kann.

In literature, gewittrig is often employed to foreshadow conflict. A landscape described as 'gewittrig' suggests that the peace is about to be shattered. Unlike 'stürmisch' (stormy/windy), which focuses on the kinetic energy of the wind, gewittrig focuses on the potential energy of the lightning and the oppressive weight of the clouds. It is a word of anticipation.

Nach dem heißen Nachmittag wurde der Himmel plötzlich gewittrig und dunkel.

Furthermore, in the context of aviation or maritime activities, 'gewittrige Störungen' (thundery disturbances) are critical technical terms. It implies a specific type of turbulence and danger. For an English speaker, understanding 'gewittrig' means moving beyond simple weather terms to grasp the 'Stimmung' (mood) of the German climate. It is the transition from a 'heißer Sommertag' (hot summer day) to a 'reinigendes Gewitter' (cleansing thunderstorm). The suffix '-ig' functions here to turn the noun 'Gewitter' into a quality, suggesting that the environment is 'thunderstorm-ish' or 'characterized by thunderstorms.' It is most frequently used in the summer months (Juni, Juli, August) when the humidity in Germany peaks. If you are planning an outdoor event, seeing 'gewittrig' in the forecast is a signal to have an indoor backup ready immediately.

Das gewittrige Wetter machte unsere Wanderpläne zunichte.

Using gewittrig correctly requires an understanding of German adjective declension and the specific contexts of weather description. It can be used predicatively (after a verb like 'sein' or 'werden') or attributively (before a noun). When used predicatively, it remains unchanged: 'Das Wetter ist gewittrig.' However, when placed before a noun, it must match the gender, number, and case of that noun. For example, in the nominative case: 'Der gewittrige Himmel' (The thundery sky), 'Die gewittrige Luft' (The thundery air), or 'Das gewittrige Klima' (The thundery climate).
Predicative Use
Es wird am Abend gewittrig. (It will become thundery in the evening.)
Attributive Use
Wir mussten wegen der gewittrigen Störungen landen. (We had to land because of the thundery disturbances.)
One of the most common ways to use the word is in combination with 'Luft' (air) or 'Stimmung' (atmosphere/mood). Because 'gewittrig' implies a buildup of tension, it is often paired with verbs of perception like 'fühlen' (to feel) or 'aussehen' (to look).

Die Stimmung im Büro war heute morgen seltsam gewittrig.

In this metaphorical sense, it describes a situation where people are on the verge of an argument. Just as the physical sky holds electrical charges that must eventually discharge as lightning, a 'gewittrige Stimmung' suggests that someone is about to 'explode' or 'thunder' at others. This figurative use is quite common in German literature and journalism. To sound more like a native speaker, pay attention to the intensity. If the weather is only slightly thundery, you might say: 'Es sieht ein bisschen gewittrig aus.' If a massive storm is brewing, you might say: 'Es ist extrem gewittrig da draußen.' Another interesting grammatical point is the comparison. While rare, you can say 'gewittriger' (more thundery) or 'am gewittrigsten' (most thundery). 'In den Bergen ist es meist gewittriger als im Flachland.'

Trotz der gewittrigen Aussichten gingen sie spazieren.

This word is also frequently found in compound nouns or alongside other weather adjectives. You might hear 'schwül-gewittrig' (sultry and thundery), which is perhaps the most common weather description for a hot July day in Germany. This combination perfectly captures the physical discomfort of high humidity and the impending storm. In formal weather reports (Wetterberichte), you will often hear: 'Im Tagesverlauf ist mit gewittrigen Schauern zu rechnen' (Thundery showers are to be expected during the day). Here, 'gewittrig' modifies 'Schauern' (showers), specifying that these aren't just normal rain showers, but ones accompanied by thunder and lightning.

Das gewittrige Tiefdruckgebiet zieht langsam nach Osten ab.

Common Noun Partners
Himmel (sky), Luft (air), Stimmung (mood), Wetterlage (weather situation), Wolken (clouds).
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You will encounter gewittrig in several distinct environments in German-speaking countries. The most obvious is the daily weather forecast on television or radio. Meteorologists use it to categorize specific types of precipitation. On news channels like Tagesschau or ZDF, the weather map might show symbols of clouds with lightning bolts, and the presenter will describe the 'gewittrige Tendenz' (thundery tendency) of the current week. Beyond the news, you will hear it in everyday small talk. Germans are famous for their detailed weather descriptions. In a supermarket line or at a bus stop, you might hear: 'Mensch, ist das heute wieder gewittrig!' This is a common way to complain about the heat and humidity.
Everyday Conversations
Used as a synonym for 'heavy' or 'oppressive' weather that makes people feel tired or 'kreislaufbelastet' (straining the circulatory system).
News & Media
Frequent in reports about summer heatwaves and subsequent storm warnings.

Radio announcement: 'Achtung Autofahrer, auf der A8 herrscht aktuell gewittriger Starkregen mit Sichtbehinderungen.'

Another place you will hear this word is in the mountains. If you are hiking in the Austrian, Swiss, or Bavarian Alps, mountain guides and locals are very sensitive to 'gewittrige' signs. 'Es wird gewittrig' is a serious warning to get off the peaks and ridges immediately. The word carries a survival-related weight in these regions. In literature and film, gewittrig is used to set a scene of tension. Imagine a scene in a 'Heimatfilm' or a dark thriller where the protagonist is walking through a forest and the air becomes gewittrig. It signals that something significant is about to happen. You might also hear it in political or corporate contexts. A journalist might describe a 'gewittrige Debatte' (thundery debate) in the Bundestag. This doesn't mean it rained in the parliament building, but that the arguments were explosive and the atmosphere was charged with hostility.

Der Kommentar in der Zeitung beschrieb die gewittrige Stimmung während der Verhandlungen.

In the world of aviation, pilots receive 'METAR' reports where 'TS' (Thunderstorm) is the code, but in their briefings, they will discuss 'gewittrige Gebiete' (thundery areas) to avoid. Even in gardening circles, people talk about 'gewittriger Regen' being particularly good for the soil because of the nitrogen fixed by lightning, though this is more of a folk belief.
Regional Variations
In Southern Germany and Austria, where storms are more frequent and violent, the word is used with more urgency than in the flatter, cooler North.
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One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing gewittrig with similar-sounding or related weather terms like 'stürmisch' (stormy/windy) or 'regnerisch' (rainy). While a 'Gewitter' often involves wind and rain, 'gewittrig' specifically points to the thunder and lightning component. If it's just very windy, use 'stürmisch.' If it's just raining, use 'regnerisch.' If you say the weather is 'gewittrig' but there is no electrical activity, a German speaker might be confused and look for lightning that isn't there.
Confusion with 'Stürmisch'
'Stürmisch' refers to 'Sturm' (storm/wind). 'Gewittrig' refers to 'Gewitter' (thunderstorm). You can have a 'stürmischer Tag' without any thunder.
Confusion with 'Wolkig'
'Wolkig' is just cloudy. 'Gewittrig' implies those clouds are specifically storm clouds (Gewitterwolken).

Falsch: Es ist gewittrig, weil der Wind so stark bläst. (Wrong: It's thundery because the wind is blowing so hard.)

Another mistake is the placement of the word and its ending. Remember that 'gewittrig' is an adjective. Beginners often forget to decline it when it comes before a noun. Saying 'Ein gewittrig Tag' is incorrect; it must be 'Ein gewittriger Tag.' Because the root word 'Gewitter' is neuter (das Gewitter), students sometimes mistakenly think 'gewittrig' should always have a neuter ending, but the ending depends on the noun it modifies, not its own root. There is also a subtle distinction between 'gewittrig' and 'gewitterhaft.' While often used interchangeably, 'gewitterhaft' is slightly more formal and is more common in technical meteorological reports. 'Gewittrig' is the preferred word for everyday speech and atmospheric descriptions. Using 'gewitterhaft' in a casual conversation with a friend might sound a bit like you are reading from a textbook.

Richtig: Die Luft ist gewittrig und drückend heiß.

Finally, don't confuse 'gewittrig' with 'unwetterartig.' An 'Unwetter' is a severe storm or extreme weather event. 'Unwetterartig' is much stronger and suggests potential damage (hail, flooding). 'Gewittrig' can describe a mild summer storm, whereas 'unwetterartig' always implies something dangerous.
Scale of Intensity
Regnerisch (Rainy) < Wolkig (Cloudy) < Gewittrig (Thundery) < Unwetterartig (Severe/Storm-like).
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To truly master German weather vocabulary, you need to know the alternatives to gewittrig and when to use them. A very close relative is schwül (sultry/humid). In Germany, 'schwül' and 'gewittrig' are like two sides of the same coin; the 'Schwüle' is the humidity you feel, and 'gewittrig' is the state of the sky that results from it. If you want to describe the physical discomfort of the air, use 'schwül.' If you want to describe the threat of lightning, use 'gewittrig.'
Schwül vs. Gewittrig
'Schwül' focuses on the skin's sensation (sweat, humidity). 'Gewittrig' focuses on the sky (thunder, lightning potential).
Drückend
Means 'oppressive' or 'pressing.' Often used as 'drückende Hitze' (oppressive heat) that often precedes a 'gewittrige' phase.

Es ist heute so schwül-gewittrig, dass man sich kaum bewegen mag.

Another alternative is ungemütlich (uncomfortable/unpleasant). While 'gewittrig' is specific, 'ungemütlich' is a general term for any weather that makes you want to stay inside. If it's thundery, it's definitely 'ungemütlich,' but 'ungemütlich' could also mean cold and drizzly. For a more poetic or dramatic touch, you might use spannungsgeladen (charged with tension). This is especially useful in figurative contexts. If a room is full of people who are about to argue, you could say the atmosphere is 'spannungsgeladen' or 'gewittrig.' The latter is more idiomatic and vivid. If you are describing the sky specifically, you could use wetterleuchtend. 'Wetterleuchten' is the German word for heat lightning (lightning seen from a distance without audible thunder). Saying the sky is 'wetterleuchtend' is very specific and quite beautiful in a descriptive text. Finally, consider stürmisch. As mentioned before, this focuses on wind. If a thunderstorm has very high winds, you might describe the weather as 'gewittrig und stürmisch.'

Das gewitterhafte Wetter hielt das ganze Wochenende an.

Register Comparison
Gewittrig: Standard, conversational, descriptive. Gewitterhaft: Formal, meteorological. Spannungsgeladen: Figurative, literary.
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How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The prefix 'ge-' in 'Gewitter' originally indicated a collection or a frequent occurrence of 'Wetter' (weather events). So, a 'Gewitter' is literally a 'collection of weather.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɡəˈvɪtʁɪç/
US /ɡəˈvɪtʁɪk/
The primary stress is on the second syllable: ge-WIT-trig.
Rime avec
zittrig (shaky) bitterig (bitter-ish) witterig (weather-beaten) glittrig (glittery) knittrig (wrinkled) splitterig (splintery) schlittrig (slippery) witterig (weathered)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'v' like a 'w' (it should be like the English 'v').
  • Stress on the first syllable (it must be on the second).
  • Pronouncing the final 'ig' as 'ig' with a hard 'g' instead of the standard 'ich' sound.
  • Forgetting the short 'i' sound and making it too long like 'ee'.
  • Missing the double 't' which indicates the preceding 'i' is short.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'Gewitter'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings.

Expression orale 5/5

Pronunciation of '-ig' and 'r' can be tricky.

Écoute 3/5

Clearly distinguishable in weather reports.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

das Wetter der Regen das Gewitter die Luft heiß

Apprends ensuite

schwül drückend der Blitz der Donner das Unwetter

Avancé

die Wetterkapriolen die Großwetterlage die Entladung das Wetterleuchten die Kumulonimbuswolke

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Suffix -ig

Gewitter -> gewittrig, Sonne -> sonnig, Wind -> windig.

Adjective Declension

Ein gewittriger Tag (masc), Eine gewittrige Nacht (fem), Ein gewittriges Wetter (neut).

Impersonal 'Es'

Es ist gewittrig. (Using 'it' to describe weather).

Predicative vs Attributive

Das Wetter ist gewittrig (no ending) vs. Das gewittrige Wetter (with ending).

Compound Nouns with 'Gewitter'

Gewitter + Wolke = Gewitterwolke.

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Exemples par niveau

1

Das Wetter ist heute gewittrig.

The weather is thundery today.

Simple predicative use of the adjective.

2

Es wird gewittrig.

It is becoming thundery.

Using 'werden' to show a change in state.

3

Ist es gewittrig?

Is it thundery?

Simple question structure.

4

Morgen ist es nicht gewittrig.

Tomorrow it is not thundery.

Negation with 'nicht'.

5

Die Luft ist gewittrig.

The air is thundery.

Describing the air directly.

6

Ich sehe gewittrige Wolken.

I see thundery clouds.

Attributive use with feminine plural ending '-e'.

7

Das ist ein gewittriger Tag.

That is a thundery day.

Attributive use with masculine ending '-er'.

8

Wir haben gewittriges Wetter.

We have thundery weather.

Attributive use with neuter ending '-es'.

1

Wegen des gewittrigen Wetters bleiben wir hier.

Because of the thundery weather, we are staying here.

Genitive case after 'wegen'.

2

Es sieht sehr gewittrig aus am Horizont.

It looks very thundery on the horizon.

Using 'aussehen' (to look/appear).

3

Gestern war es den ganzen Tag gewittrig.

Yesterday it was thundery all day.

Past tense with 'war'.

4

Ich mag gewittrige Nächte nicht.

I don't like thundery nights.

Accusative plural feminine ending '-e'.

5

Nach der Hitze wird es oft gewittrig.

After the heat, it often becomes thundery.

Adverbial phrase 'nach der Hitze'.

6

Die Kinder haben Angst vor gewittrigem Wetter.

The children are afraid of thundery weather.

Dative case after 'vor'.

7

Komm rein, es fühlt sich gewittrig an!

Come inside, it feels thundery!

Separable verb 'anfühlen'.

8

In den Alpen ist es im Sommer oft gewittrig.

In the Alps, it is often thundery in summer.

Local and temporal adverbs.

1

Die Stimmung während der Sitzung war äußerst gewittrig.

The mood during the meeting was extremely thundery (tense).

Metaphorical use describing a social atmosphere.

2

Trotz der gewittrigen Vorhersage sind sie losgefahren.

Despite the thundery forecast, they set off.

Genitive case with 'trotz'.

3

Es herrscht eine gewittrige Schwüle in der Stadt.

There is a thundery sultriness prevailing in the city.

Using the verb 'herrschen' for weather conditions.

4

Die gewittrigen Schauer hielten nicht lange an.

The thundery showers did not last long.

Plural attributive adjective.

5

Können wir bei diesem gewittrigen Himmel wirklich wandern?

Can we really hike with this thundery sky?

Dative masculine ending '-en' after 'bei'.

6

Die Luft roch plötzlich so gewittrig.

The air suddenly smelled so thundery.

Describing a sensory perception (smell).

7

Er bemerkte die gewittrige Tendenz des Wetters zu spät.

He noticed the thundery tendency of the weather too late.

Accusative feminine ending '-e'.

8

Das Spiel wurde wegen gewittriger Störungen unterbrochen.

The game was interrupted due to thundery disturbances.

Passive voice construction.

1

Die gewittrige Atmosphäre kündigte den Wetterumschwung an.

The thundery atmosphere heralded the change in weather.

Using 'ankündigen' (to herald/announce).

2

Es ist mit gewittrigen Entladungen im gesamten Bundesgebiet zu rechnen.

Thundery discharges are to be expected throughout the federal territory.

Formal weather report phrasing.

3

Die gewittrige Luftfeuchtigkeit machte allen zu schaffen.

The thundery humidity was difficult for everyone.

Idiomatic expression 'jemandem zu schaffen machen'.

4

In seiner Stimme schwang ein gewittriger Unterton mit.

A thundery undertone resonated in his voice.

Abstract metaphorical use.

5

Die gewittrigen Wolkenformationen waren beeindruckend und beängstigend zugleich.

The thundery cloud formations were impressive and frightening at the same time.

Complex adjective phrase.

6

Wegen der gewittrigen Lage wurde der Flugverkehr eingestellt.

Due to the thundery situation, air traffic was suspended.

Official administrative context.

7

Das gewittrige Licht verlieh der Landschaft eine mystische Aura.

The thundery light gave the landscape a mystical aura.

Descriptive literary style.

8

Man konnte die gewittrige Spannung förmlich greifen.

You could literally feel (grab) the thundery tension.

Metaphor for psychological tension.

1

Die gewittrige Schwüle des Nachmittags entlud sich schließlich in einem heftigen Orkan.

The thundery sultriness of the afternoon finally discharged into a violent hurricane/storm.

Reflexive verb 'sich entladen'.

2

Seine gewittrige Laune verfinstert oft die gesamte Familienfeier.

His thundery mood often darkens the entire family celebration.

Personification of mood.

3

Die gewittrigen Bedingungen erschwerten die Rettungsarbeiten im Gebirge erheblich.

The thundery conditions significantly complicated the rescue operations in the mountains.

Technical/Journalistic register.

4

Eine gewittrige Vorahnung beschlich sie, als sie das leere Haus betrat.

A thundery premonition crept over her as she entered the empty house.

Using 'beschleichen' for a feeling.

5

Die gewittrige Aufladung der Atmosphäre führte zu zahlreichen Blitzeinschlägen.

The thundery charging of the atmosphere led to numerous lightning strikes.

Scientific/descriptive nuance.

6

Das gewittrige Szenario im Film diente als Metapher für den inneren Konflikt der Protagonistin.

The thundery scenario in the film served as a metaphor for the protagonist's internal conflict.

Analytical/Academic register.

7

Trotz der gewittrigen Anzeichen weigerte er sich, den Gipfel zu verlassen.

Despite the thundery signs, he refused to leave the summit.

Concessive structure with 'trotz'.

8

Die gewittrige Unruhe der Natur spiegelt sich oft in der deutschen Romantik wider.

The thundery restlessness of nature is often reflected in German Romanticism.

Cultural/Historical analysis.

1

In der gewittrigen Stille vor dem Sturm scheint die Zeit stillzustehen.

In the thundery silence before the storm, time seems to stand still.

Oxymoron 'gewittrige Stille'.

2

Die gewittrige Disposition der Wetterlage lässt auf baldige Abkühlung hoffen.

The thundery disposition of the weather situation gives hope for a soon-to-come cooling.

Highly formal/technical vocabulary ('Disposition').

3

Ein gewittriger Groll lag in seinen Worten, der nichts Gutes verhieß.

A thundery resentment lay in his words, which boded no good.

Sophisticated metaphorical use.

4

Die gewittrige Ästhetik des Sturms faszinierte den Fotografen zutiefst.

The thundery aesthetics of the storm fascinated the photographer deeply.

Abstract noun 'Ästhetik'.

5

Durch die gewittrigen Turbulenzen wurde der Flug zu einer Zerreißprobe für die Passagiere.

Due to the thundery turbulence, the flight became an endurance test for the passengers.

Idiomatic 'Zerreißprobe'.

6

Die gewittrige Energie, die über den Feldern hing, war fast physisch spürbar.

The thundery energy hanging over the fields was almost physically palpable.

Descriptive precision.

7

Seine gewittrige Natur bricht sich oft in unvorhersehbaren Zornesausbrüchen Bahn.

His thundery nature often finds its way out in unpredictable outbursts of anger.

Idiomatic 'sich Bahn brechen'.

8

Die gewittrige Aufladung der politischen Debatte drohte die Koalition zu sprengen.

The thundery charging of the political debate threatened to blow up the coalition.

High-level political metaphor.

Collocations courantes

gewittrige Luft
gewittrige Stimmung
gewittrige Schauer
gewittrige Lage
gewittrige Front
leicht gewittrig
äußerst gewittrig
gewittrige Bewölkung
gewittrige Störungen
gewittrige Aussichten

Phrases Courantes

Es sieht gewittrig aus.

— The sky looks like a thunderstorm is coming.

Nimm einen Schirm mit, es sieht gewittrig aus.

Es wird gewittrig.

— It is becoming thundery.

Gegen Abend wird es meistens gewittrig.

In gewittriger Stimmung sein.

— To be in a bad, explosive mood.

Lass ihn in Ruhe, er ist heute in gewittriger Stimmung.

Gewittrige Schwüle.

— The specific humid heat before a storm.

Diese gewittrige Schwüle ist kaum zu ertragen.

Ein gewittriger Himmel.

— A sky full of storm clouds.

Der gewittrige Himmel war fast schwarz.

Gewittrige Entladungen.

— Lightning strikes/discharges.

Es gab heftige gewittrige Entladungen.

Gewittrige Tendenz.

— A tendency toward thunderstorms.

Die Wettervorhersage zeigt eine gewittrige Tendenz.

Gewittriger Starkregen.

— Heavy rain accompanied by thunder.

Vorsicht vor gewittrigem Starkregen auf den Straßen.

Gewittrige Stille.

— The eerie silence before a storm.

In der gewittrigen Stille hörte man nur die Grillen.

Gewittrige Phase.

— A period of time with many storms.

Wir befinden uns aktuell in einer gewittrigen Phase.

Souvent confondu avec

gewittrig vs stürmisch

Refers to wind, not necessarily thunder.

gewittrig vs regnerisch

Refers to rain only.

gewittrig vs wolkig

Refers to clouds only.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Da braut sich was gewittriges zusammen."

— Something bad or a big argument is brewing.

Ich sehe, wie sie sich ansehen; da braut sich was gewittriges zusammen.

informal
"Ein reinigendes Gewitter."

— A 'cleansing' thunderstorm (an argument that clears the air).

Manchmal braucht eine Beziehung ein reinigendes Gewitter.

neutral
"Aufziehendes Gewitter."

— An approaching storm (often used for approaching trouble).

Er ignorierte das aufziehende Gewitter in seinem Privatleben.

literary
"Wie ein Blitz aus heiterem Himmel."

— Like a bolt from the blue (something unexpected).

Die Nachricht kam wie ein Blitz aus heiterem Himmel.

neutral
"Donnerwetter!"

— An exclamation of surprise or a scolding.

Donnerwetter, hast du das alles alleine gemacht?

informal
"Jemandem heimleuchten."

— To give someone a piece of one's mind (lit. to light someone's way home with lightning).

Dem werde ich mal ordentlich heimleuchten!

informal
"Vom Schlag getroffen sein."

— To be extremely shocked (as if hit by lightning/stroke).

Als ich den Preis sah, war ich wie vom Schlag getroffen.

neutral
"Unter aller Kanone."

— Terrible/Beneath contempt (related to the sound of thunder/cannons).

Seine Leistung gestern war unter aller Kanone.

informal
"Den Blitz ableiten."

— To deflect anger or blame (like a lightning rod).

Er versuchte, den Blitz vom Chef abzuleiten.

neutral
"In der Luft liegen."

— To be 'in the air' (often used for thundery tension).

Ein Streit lag förmlich in der Luft.

neutral

Facile à confondre

gewittrig vs stürmisch

Both describe bad weather.

Stürmisch is about wind (Sturm); gewittrig is about thunder/lightning (Gewitter).

Es ist stürmisch, aber es donnert nicht.

gewittrig vs schwül

Often happen at the same time.

Schwül is the humidity/heat; gewittrig is the storm potential.

Es ist erst schwül, dann wird es gewittrig.

gewittrig vs unwetterartig

Both imply storms.

Unwetterartig is much stronger and implies severe damage.

Der Regen war unwetterartig.

gewittrig vs nass

Storms are wet.

Nass is just 'wet'. Gewittrig is 'thundery'.

Die Straße ist nass.

gewittrig vs düster

Thundery skies are dark.

Düster is 'gloomy/dark'; gewittrig is specifically thundery.

Ein düsterer Wald.

Structures de phrases

A1

Das Wetter ist [Adjektiv].

Das Wetter ist gewittrig.

A2

Es wird [Adjektiv].

Es wird am Abend gewittrig.

B1

Wegen [Genitiv] [Nomen]...

Wegen gewittrigen Wetters bleiben wir hier.

B1

Die Stimmung ist [Adjektiv].

Die Stimmung war gewittrig.

B2

Es ist mit [Dativ] zu rechnen.

Es ist mit gewittrigen Schauern zu rechnen.

C1

[Nomen] fühlt sich [Adjektiv] an.

Die Atmosphäre fühlt sich gewittrig an.

C1

Trotz [Genitiv] [Nomen]...

Trotz der gewittrigen Lage wandern sie.

C2

Eine [Adjektiv] [Nomen] herrscht vor.

Eine gewittrige Schwüle herrscht heute vor.

Famille de mots

Noms

das Gewitter (thunderstorm)
die Gewitterfront (storm front)
die Gewitterwolke (storm cloud)
die Gewitterneigung (tendency for storms)

Verbes

gewittern (to thunder/storm)
ausgewittern (to weather out)

Adjectifs

gewittrig (thundery)
gewitterhaft (storm-like)
gewitterträchtig (pregnant with storms)

Apparenté

der Blitz (lightning)
der Donner (thunder)
die Schwüle (sultriness)
das Unwetter (severe storm)
der Niederschlag (precipitation)
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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in summer, rare in winter.

Erreurs courantes
  • Ein gewittrig Tag. → Ein gewittriger Tag.

    Adjectives before a masculine noun in nominative need the '-er' ending.

  • Das Wetter ist gewitterig. → Das Wetter ist gewittrig.

    The extra 'e' in 'gewitterig' is often dropped in modern German (though sometimes seen, 'gewittrig' is standard).

  • Ich bin gewittrig. → Ich habe eine gewittrige Stimmung. / Mir ist heiß.

    You cannot be 'thundery' yourself; only the weather or your mood can be.

  • Es ist gewittrig (meaning windy). → Es ist stürmisch.

    'Gewittrig' is specifically about thunderstorms, not just wind.

  • Die gewittrige Wolke (plural). → Die gewittrigen Wolken.

    Plural adjectives need the '-en' ending in the nominative with a definite article.

Astuces

Check the sky

Use 'gewittrig' when you see dark, towering clouds, even if there is no thunder yet.

Endings matter

Always check the gender of the noun. 'Der Tag' -> 'gewittriger', 'Die Luft' -> 'gewittrige'.

Small talk

Complaining about 'gewittrige Luft' is a great way to start a conversation with a German in summer.

Tense meetings

Use 'gewittrige Stimmung' to describe a meeting where everyone is angry but hasn't started yelling yet.

Mountain safety

If a local says it's 'gewittrig', take it seriously and don't go hiking.

Related words

Learn 'schwül' alongside 'gewittrig' as they almost always go together.

The soft 'ch'

Practice the 'ich'-sound at the end of 'gewittrig' to sound more authentic.

Atmosphere

Use 'gewittrig' instead of 'schlecht' (bad) to describe weather to make your writing more descriptive.

Weather apps

Check German weather apps like 'DWD' to see the word in use with icons.

Intensity

Remember: 'gewittrig' is for thunder, 'stürmisch' is for wind, 'regnerisch' is for rain.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'GE-WIT-TRIG'. 'GE-' is the prefix, 'WIT' sounds like 'weather' (Wetter), and '-TRIG' sounds like 'trigger'. A thunderstorm is 'triggered weather'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant 'G' shaped like a lightning bolt striking a cloud. That is a 'Gewitter'. Now imagine that 'G' is 'trig-gering' a heavy feeling in the air.

Word Web

Gewitter Blitz Donner Regen Schwüle Wolken Sturm Himmel

Défi

Try to describe three different things as 'gewittrig' today: the sky, the air, and a tense situation at work or in a book.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle High German 'gewitere', which comes from the Old High German 'giwitiri'. It is a collective formation from the word 'Wetter' (weather).

Sens originel : Originally, it meant 'bad weather' or 'stormy weather' in general, before specializing to mean 'thunderstorm'.

Germanic (Indo-European). Cognate with English 'weather'.

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that for some, 'Gewitter' can trigger anxiety (astraphobia).

English speakers often just say 'stormy,' but 'gewittrig' is more specific to the electrical and atmospheric pressure. In the UK, 'thundery' is used similarly, but perhaps less frequently in metaphorical social contexts than in Germany.

Beethoven's 6th Symphony (Pastoral) - The 4th movement depicts a 'Gewitter'. Goethe's 'Die Leiden des jungen Werther' - Uses 'Gewitter' as a backdrop for emotional intensity. The Brothers Grimm - Many fairy tales use thundery weather to signify danger.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Weather Forecast

  • Gewittrige Schauer
  • Gewittrige Lage
  • Gewittrige Störungen
  • Gewittrige Tendenz

Hiking/Outdoors

  • Es wird gewittrig
  • Gewittrige Wolken
  • Gefahr durch gewittrige Entladungen
  • Abstieg bei gewittrigem Wetter

Relationships

  • Gewittrige Stimmung
  • Ein gewittriges Gespräch
  • Gewittrige Blicke
  • Es herrscht dicke Luft

Literature

  • Ein gewittriger Abend
  • Die gewittrige Stille
  • Gewittrige Vorahnung
  • Gewittrige Landschaft

Aviation

  • Gewittrige Turbulenzen
  • Gewittrige Fronten umfliegen
  • Gewittrige Sichtbehinderung
  • Gewittrige Aktivität

Amorces de conversation

"Findest du nicht auch, dass die Luft heute extrem gewittrig ist?"

"Hast du den Wetterbericht gesehen? Es soll am Wochenende gewittrig werden."

"Warst du schon mal in den Bergen, wenn es plötzlich gewittrig wurde?"

"Warum ist die Stimmung im Büro heute so gewittrig, weißt du was?"

"Magst du gewittriges Wetter oder hast du eher Angst vor Blitzen?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe einen Sommertag, der erst sehr heiß war und dann gewittrig wurde. Wie hat sich die Luft angefühlt?

Erinnere dich an eine Situation, in der die Stimmung 'gewittrig' war. Was ist passiert?

Warum ist es wichtig, bei gewittrigem Wetter nicht im See zu schwimmen?

Wie verändert sich die Landschaft, wenn der Himmel gewittrig wird? Achte auf Farben und Licht.

Schreibe eine kurze Geschichte, die mit dem Satz beginnt: 'Der Himmel war so gewittrig, dass die Vögel aufhörten zu singen.'

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Both mean 'thundery.' 'Gewittrig' is the common everyday word used in conversation and descriptions. 'Gewitterhaft' is more formal and is often found in technical meteorological reports or very formal writing.

Not directly. You wouldn't say 'Er ist gewittrig.' However, you can say 'Seine Stimmung ist gewittrig' (His mood is thundery), meaning he is in a bad mood and likely to snap.

It's rare because thunderstorms are less common in winter in Germany. It's primarily a word for the summer months when heat and humidity lead to electrical storms.

No. It describes the *atmosphere*. It can be 'gewittrig' before the rain starts, or even if the storm passes by without hitting you directly.

For weather, the opposite would be 'heiter' (clear/sunny) or 'stabil' (stable). For a mood, the opposite would be 'gelassen' (calm/relaxed) or 'friedlich' (peaceful).

In standard High German (Hochdeutsch), it is pronounced like the 'ch' in 'ich' or 'Licht'. In some southern dialects, it might sound like a hard 'k', but 'ich' is the standard.

Yes, but 'gewittrige Schauer' (thundery showers) is more common in weather reports.

It describes the oppressive, sticky heat that occurs right before a thunderstorm. It's a very common phrase in Germany.

Yes, extremely common in summer. You will hear it almost every day during a hot spell.

Indirectly. You might say 'ein gewittriges Grau' to describe the specific leaden gray of a storm sky.

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Teste-toi 98 questions

writing

Describe the weather today using the word 'gewittrig'. (Minimum 10 words)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about a 'gewittrige Stimmung' in an office.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Pronounce the word 'gewittrig' clearly, paying attention to the '-ig' ending.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Es wird heute Abend gewittrig.' What time of day will it be thundery?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 98 correct

Perfect score!

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