In 15 Seconds
- Primarily means 'to thunder' during a storm or heavy weather.
- Describes loud, crashing movements like a truck or a fall.
- Can metaphorically mean dressing up flashily in the form 'aufdonnern'.
Meaning
While it primarily describes the sound of thunder during a storm, Germans also use it to describe anything making a loud, heavy, or crashing noise.
Key Examples
3 of 6Watching a storm from a window
Es blitzt und donnert schon den ganzen Abend.
It has been lightening and thundering all evening.
Describing a fast truck on the road
Der LKW donnert mit hoher Geschwindigkeit über die Autobahn.
The truck thunders across the highway at high speed.
Reporting a minor accident
Ein Auto ist gestern gegen die Mauer gedonnert.
A car crashed into the wall yesterday.
Cultural Background
The 'Donnerwetter' is a cultural institution. It's not just a scolding; it's a theatrical release of pressure. In German offices, a 'reinigendes Donnerwetter' is sometimes seen as a healthy way to clear the air. The connection to Thor (Donar) is still felt in the language. Thursday in German is 'Donnerstag' (Donar's Day). The sound of 'donnernde Motoren' (thundering engines) is a source of pride for some and a nuisance for others, reflecting the ongoing debate about speed limits in Germany. In the 'Sturm und Drang' era, 'donnern' was used to describe the overwhelming power of nature, reflecting the movement's focus on raw emotion.
The 'Es' Rule
Always use 'es' when talking about the weather. 'Es donnert' is the only natural way to say it's thundering.
Don't over-use 'Donnerwetter'
It's a bit old-fashioned. Use it for humor or emphasis, but don't say it every time you are surprised.
In 15 Seconds
- Primarily means 'to thunder' during a storm or heavy weather.
- Describes loud, crashing movements like a truck or a fall.
- Can metaphorically mean dressing up flashily in the form 'aufdonnern'.
What It Means
donnern is that deep, rumbling sound after lightning strikes. It describes something loud, heavy, and full of power. Think of a bowling ball hitting the pins. Or a heavy truck crossing an old bridge. It is not just for the weather. It is about energy and noise combined.
How To Use It
For weather, simply say es donnert. This is a very common impersonal construction. If you crash into something, use gegen plus the object. You might say Ich bin gegen die Tür gedonnert. It sounds much more dramatic than just bumping into it. You can also use it for speed. A fast car donnert down the highway.
When To Use It
Use it when nature gets loud and angry. Use it when someone slams a heavy door. It is perfect for describing a noisy construction site. Or use it when your kids run upstairs. It captures that "boom" feeling perfectly. Ask your friend: Hörst du es donnern? during a storm.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for a quiet whisper. Avoid it for light rain or soft wind. It is too heavy for a small mistake. If you drop a tiny spoon, do not use donnern. That would just be a light Kling. Keep it for the big, noisy moments in life.
Cultural Background
The word comes from the ancient god Thor. In Old High German, his name was Donar. Germans have a deep respect for powerful storms. We even have the expression Donnerwetter. It is an old-fashioned way to say "Wow!" It can also be a way to scold someone. It implies a storm of words is coming.
Common Variations
Aufdonnern is a funny variation for you. It means to dress up very fancy. It is like you are making a loud visual statement. Donnernd can describe a very loud, booming laugh. Ein donnerndes Gelächter fills the entire room. It makes every action sound much more epic.
Usage Notes
At the A2 level, focus on the weather usage 'Es donnert'. Remember that when describing a physical crash, the verb switches to using 'sein' as the auxiliary.
The 'Es' Rule
Always use 'es' when talking about the weather. 'Es donnert' is the only natural way to say it's thundering.
Don't over-use 'Donnerwetter'
It's a bit old-fashioned. Use it for humor or emphasis, but don't say it every time you are surprised.
Vibration is Key
If you can feel the sound in your chest, 'donnern' is likely the right verb to use.
Autobahn Lingo
When describing a fast car on the Autobahn, 'vorbeidonnern' makes you sound like a native speaker.
Examples
6Es blitzt und donnert schon den ganzen Abend.
It has been lightening and thundering all evening.
Standard way to describe a thunderstorm.
Der LKW donnert mit hoher Geschwindigkeit über die Autobahn.
The truck thunders across the highway at high speed.
Uses the verb to emphasize noise and power.
Ein Auto ist gestern gegen die Mauer gedonnert.
A car crashed into the wall yesterday.
Implies a loud, forceful impact.
Mein Nachbar donnert ständig mit den Türen!
My neighbor is constantly slamming the doors!
Expresses annoyance at loud, heavy noises.
Er donnert den Ball direkt ins Tor.
He blasts the ball straight into the goal.
Common in sports commentary for a powerful shot.
Donnerwetter! Das habe ich nicht erwartet.
Good heavens! I didn't expect that.
A classic, slightly old-fashioned exclamation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'donnern'.
Gestern Nacht hat es sehr laut ______.
The sentence is in the Perfect tense (hat ... gedonnert).
Which sentence uses 'donnern' figuratively?
Choose the correct option:
Here, 'donnern' describes the loud noise of a vehicle, not the weather.
Complete the dialogue with the correct idiom.
A: Ich habe die Prüfung mit 1,0 bestanden! B: ______! Das ist ja toll!
'Donnerwetter' is used as an exclamation of surprise and admiration.
Match the sound to the verb.
Match 'Ein schwerer Zug' with the best verb:
A train is loud and heavy, so 'donnern' fits best. 'Flüstern' is whisper, 'ticken' is tick.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Loud German Verbs
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGestern Nacht hat es sehr laut ______.
The sentence is in the Perfect tense (hat ... gedonnert).
Choose the correct option:
Here, 'donnern' describes the loud noise of a vehicle, not the weather.
A: Ich habe die Prüfung mit 1,0 bestanden! B: ______! Das ist ja toll!
'Donnerwetter' is used as an exclamation of surprise and admiration.
Match 'Ein schwerer Zug' with the best verb:
A train is loud and heavy, so 'donnern' fits best. 'Flüstern' is whisper, 'ticken' is tick.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you are moving very loudly and forcefully, like a giant. Usually, it's 'es donnert' or an object 'donnert'.
No, 'donnernder Applaus' is very positive! It just means the sound is powerful.
'Schallen' is about the echo and the reach of the sound, while 'donnern' is about the volume and weight.
Yes, you can say someone has a 'Donnerstimme' (thunder voice).
It's a bit judgmental. It implies someone is trying too hard to look flashy.
Standard German uses 'haben' (Es hat gedonnert).
Yes, if the bass is very heavy and loud: 'Der Bass donnert'.
It means to slam something (like a door) with a lot of noise.
Yes, but often with a wink or in a slightly traditional context.
Usually, a heart 'klopft' (beats) or 'rast' (races). 'Donnern' would be very poetic and unusual.
Related Phrases
{der|m} Donner
builds onThe noun 'thunder'.
{das|n} Donnerwetter
specialized formA scolding or an exclamation of surprise.
aufdonnern
specialized formTo dress up flashily.
zudonnern
specialized formTo slam (a door) loudly.
dröhnen
similarTo drone or hum loudly.
krachen
similarTo crash or bang.
