Master German Vocabulary for Environmental Problems (B1-B2): List, Examples, and Quiz

A polluted river with plastic waste and industrial chimneys in the background, representing key terms in German vocabulary for environmental problems.

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Understanding German Vocabulary: Environmental Issues

As an intermediate German learner (B1-B2), learning vocabulary about the environment is important. Whether you’re interested in climate change, sustainability, or talking about the planet, this guide will give you the German words you need. In this article, we’ll cover key environmental words in German, with example sentences and English translations. Learn these terms to discuss environmental topics confidently in German.

Essential German Vocabulary for Environmental Topics

Here is a list of common German words and phrases for discussing environmental issues. Learn these terms to improve your understanding and communication on this important topic.
German Word English Translation
der Abfall the waste
die Abholzung the deforestation
das Abwasser the wastewater
das Artensterben the extinction of species
der Ausstoß/die Emission the emission
die Erderwärmung the global warming
die erneuerbare Energie the renewable energy
erneuerbar renewable
der Klimaschutz the climate protection
der Klimawandel the climate change
das Kohlenstoffdioxid the carbon dioxide
die Luftverschmutzung the air pollution
der Müll the garbage/trash
nachhaltig sustainable
die Nachhaltigkeit the sustainability
die Naturkatastrophe the natural disaster
das Ozonloch the ozone hole
recyceln to recycle
das Recycling the recycling
die Ressource the resource
schützen to protect
die Solarenergie the solar energy
der Treibhauseffekt the greenhouse effect
die Umwelt the environment
der Umweltschutz the environmental protection
die Umweltverschmutzung the environmental pollution
verschmutzen to pollute
die Verschmutzung the pollution
die Wasserverschmutzung the water pollution
die Windenergie the wind energy

Practical Sentences Using Environmental Vocabulary

A deforested area with tree stumps and a sunset, illustrating the impact of deforestation and German vocabulary for environmental problems.
Expand your German vocabulary with terms for deforestation and environmental problems.
Here are example sentences with English translations to show how these words are used in context.
German Word German Sentence English Translation
der Abfall Bitte werfen Sie den Abfall in den Mülleimer. Please throw the waste into the trash can.
die Abholzung Die Abholzung bedroht den Regenwald. Deforestation threatens the rainforest.
das Abwasser Das Abwasser wird in die Flüsse geleitet. Wastewater is discharged into the rivers.
das Artensterben Das Artensterben nimmt weltweit zu. The extinction of species is increasing worldwide.
der Ausstoß Der CO2-Ausstoß muss reduziert werden. CO2 emissions must be reduced.
die Erderwärmung Die Erderwärmung ist ein globales Problem. Global warming is a global problem.
die erneuerbare Energie Erneuerbare Energien sind wichtig für die Zukunft. Renewable energies are important for the future.
erneuerbar Wind und Sonne sind erneuerbare Ressourcen. Wind and sun are renewable resources.
der Klimaschutz Klimaschutz sollte Priorität haben. Climate protection should be a priority.
der Klimawandel Der Klimawandel beeinflusst das Wetter. Climate change affects the weather.
das Kohlenstoffdioxid Kohlenstoffdioxid trägt zum Treibhauseffekt bei. Carbon dioxide contributes to the greenhouse effect.
die Luftverschmutzung                                                        Die Luftverschmutzung in Städten ist ein ernstes Problem. Air pollution in cities is a serious problem.
der Müll Wir sollten weniger Müll produzieren. We should produce less garbage.
nachhaltig Nachhaltige Lösungen sind notwendig. Sustainable solutions are necessary.
die Nachhaltigkeit Nachhaltigkeit ist ein zentrales Thema. Sustainability is a central issue.
die Naturkatastrophe Naturkatastrophen nehmen zu. Natural disasters are increasing.
das Ozonloch Das Ozonloch wird größer. The ozone hole is getting bigger.
recyceln Wir sollten mehr recyceln. We should recycle more.
das Recycling Recycling hilft der Umwelt. Recycling helps the environment.
die Ressource Ressourcen müssen geschützt werden. Resources must be protected.
schützen Wir müssen die Umwelt schützen. We need to protect the environment.
die Solarenergie Solarenergie ist eine saubere Energiequelle. Solar energy is a clean energy source.
der Treibhauseffekt Der Treibhauseffekt erwärmt die Erde. The greenhouse effect warms the Earth.
die Umwelt Die Umwelt ist unser Zuhause. The environment is our home.
der Umweltschutz Umweltschutz ist eine gemeinsame Verantwortung. Environmental protection is a shared responsibility.
die Umweltverschmutzung                                                                                      Umweltverschmutzung bedroht die Gesundheit. Environmental pollution threatens health.
verschmutzen Fabriken verschmutzen oft die Luft. Factories often pollute the air.
die Verschmutzung Die Verschmutzung der Meere ist alarmierend. The pollution of the seas is alarming.
die Wasserverschmutzung                                                                                Wasserverschmutzung gefährdet das Leben im Wasser. Water pollution endangers aquatic life.
die Windenergie Windenergie ist eine wichtige erneuerbare Energie. Wind energy is an important renewable energy.

Practice Your Understanding with Our Environmental Vocabulary Quiz

Ready to assess your knowledge of German environmental vocabulary? Take our quiz: here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is learning German environmental vocabulary important?

Knowing environmental vocabulary helps you discuss global issues, read related articles, and join environmental initiatives in German-speaking countries.

Do you offer an overview of all German vocabulary articles?

Yes! You can find the overview: here.

Where can I find more intermediate German learning resources?

Visit our website for additional vocabulary articles, vocabulary quizzes, grammar explanations, grammar quizzes and short stories designed to help you advance your German language skills.

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