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Klimawandel
/ˈkliːmaˌvandl̩/
climate change
Der Klimawandel ist eine der größten Herausforderungen unserer Zeit.
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time.
formal
A significant and lasting change in global weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
Wissenschaftler warnen vor den Folgen des Klimawandels für Ökosysteme.
Scientists warn of the consequences of climate change for ecosystems.
Die Regierung hat Maßnahmen zur Bekämpfung des Klimawandels ergriffen.
The government has taken measures to combat climate change.
Often used in political, scientific, and environmental contexts. The term emphasizes long-term shifts rather than short-term weather variations.
Collocations
globale Erwärmungglobal warmingKlimaschutzclimate protectionCO₂-EmissionenCO₂ emissionsnachhaltige Entwicklungsustainable development
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Collocation
Use 'Klimawandel' with verbs like 'bekämpfen' (to combat), 'verursachen' (to cause), or 'bewältigen' (to cope with). Example: 'Wir müssen den Klimawandel bekämpfen.'
Gold Rule
Avoid Misuse
Do not use 'Klimawandel' for short-term weather events. It specifically refers to long-term, human-induced changes in climate patterns.
Word Origin
Compound of 'Klima' (climate) + 'Wandel' (change), first attested in the early 20th century. The modern usage gained prominence in the 1980s with the rise of environmental awareness.
Usage Notes
The term is widely used in German media and policy discussions. It is often paired with terms like 'Anpassung' (adaptation) or 'Bekämpfung' (combating). Avoid confusing with 'Wetterumschwung' (weather change), which refers to short-term fluctuations.
Word Breakdown
Klima
climate
rootWandel
change
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch