Looking up...
Wasserarmut
/ˈvasɐˌʔaʁmʊt/
water scarcity
In vielen Regionen Afrikas herrscht Wasserarmut, was die Landwirtschaft erschwert.
In many regions of Africa, there is water scarcity, which makes agriculture difficult.
technical
A situation where a region has insufficient water resources to meet the needs of its population or ecosystems.
Die Wasserarmut im Nahen Osten wird durch Klimawandel und Übernutzung verschärft.
Water scarcity in the Middle East is exacerbated by climate change and overuse.
Often used in environmental, agricultural, or policy contexts to describe chronic shortages rather than temporary droughts.
general
The state of having little or no access to clean drinking water.
Durch die Wasserarmut in dem Dorf müssen die Einwohner weite Wege zurücklegen, um Wasser zu holen.
Due to the water scarcity in the village, residents have to travel long distances to fetch water.
Collocations
chronische Wasserarmutchronic water scarcityregionale Wasserarmutregional water scarcityWasserarmut bekämpfento combat water scarcity
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid literal translation
Do not translate 'Wasserarmut' as 'water poverty'—this is not idiomatic in English. Use 'water scarcity' or 'water shortage' instead.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'Wasserarmut' for chronic, long-term shortages rather than temporary droughts, which are typically called 'Dürre'.
Word Origin
Compound of 'Wasser' (water) + 'Armut' (poverty, scarcity), first attested in the early 20th century in German environmental and agricultural literature.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal or technical contexts, such as environmental reports, policy documents, or scientific studies. Avoid using in casual conversation unless discussing environmental issues.
Word Breakdown
Wasser
water
rootArmut
poverty/scarcity
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch