das  Rauchverbot

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁaʊxfɛɐ̯ˌboːt/

🚭 What Exactly is a 'Rauchverbot'?

The German word Rauchverbot is a noun and takes the article das. It's neuter (*sächlich*). A *Rauchverbot* is an official rule or law that prohibits smoking (of tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, etc.) in certain places. The aim is usually to protect non-smokers from passive smoke (*Nichtraucherschutz*) or for fire prevention.

It's a compound noun (*Kompositum*), made up of:

• der Rauch (smoke)
• das Verbot (ban, prohibition)

Because the second part of the compound (*Verbot*) has the article *das*, the entire word is also *das Rauchverbot*.

🧐 Grammar & Declension of 'das Rauchverbot'

*Rauchverbot* is a neuter noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Das Rauchverbot in Restaurants ist eine gute Sache.
   The smoking ban in restaurants is a good thing.
2. Die Einhaltung des Rauchverbots wird streng kontrolliert.
   Compliance with the smoking ban is strictly monitored.
3. Wegen des allgemeinen Rauchverbots gehen viele Raucher vor die Tür.
   Because of the general smoking ban, many smokers go outside.
4. Bitte beachten Sie das Rauchverbot auf dem gesamten Gelände.
   Please observe the smoking ban on the entire premises.
5. Es gibt viele verschiedene Rauchverbote für unterschiedliche Bereiche.
   There are many different smoking bans for various areas.

🏢 Where and How is 'Rauchverbot' Used?

The term Rauchverbot is primarily used in the context of rules, laws, and regulations that restrict smoking. Typical use cases include:

• Public buildings (*öffentliche Gebäude*): Authorities, hospitals, schools, universities
• Public transport (*öffentliche Verkehrsmittel*): Buses, trains, airplanes
• Workplaces (*Arbeitsplätze*): Offices, workshops (to protect employees)
• Gastronomy (*Gastronomie*): Restaurants, bars, cafés (often with exceptions for separate smoking rooms or outdoor areas)
• Venues (*Veranstaltungsorte*): Cinemas, theaters, stadiums

It's a very specific term clearly indicating a prohibition on smoking. It's often seen on signs (*Schilder*) saying "Rauchverbot!" or mentioned in house rules (*Hausordnungen*) and laws (e.g., *Nichtraucherschutzgesetz* - Non-smoker Protection Act).

⚠️ Don't confuse it with *Raucherbereich* or *Raucherzone*, which designate areas where smoking is permitted.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article (das): Many German nouns ending in -verbot (*ban*) are neuter (*das*). Think of: *das Parkverbot* (no parking), *das Fahrverbot* (driving ban), *das Betretungsverbot* (no entry)... and therefore das Rauchverbot.

For the meaning: Imagine thick Rauch (smoke) with a big red Verbot (prohibition/ban) sign shining through it. Rauch + Verbot = Smoking Ban. Simple, right? 😉

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Different Words:

• Rauchmelder (der): A device that detects smoke (fire warning), not a ban. (*smoke detector*)
• Nichtraucherschutz (der): The overarching principle or law for protecting non-smokers; the *Rauchverbot* is a measure derived from it. (*non-smoker protection*)

😂 A Little Joke

Richter: "Warum haben Sie trotz des Rauchverbots im Zug geraucht?"
Angeklagter: "Aber Herr Richter, der Schaffner hat doch gesagt: 'Der ganze Zug ist ein Nichtraucherabteil!' – Ich dachte, das gilt nicht für mich, ich bin ja nur ein Raucher!"

Judge: "Why did you smoke on the train despite the smoking ban?"
Defendant: "But Your Honor, the conductor said: 'The entire train is a non-smoking compartment!' - I thought that didn't apply to me, I'm only one smoker!"

📜 Poem about the Ban

Wo Qualm die Luft einst trüb und schwer,
da atmet man nun frei und mehr.
Das Schild hängt klar, für jeden Gast:
Ein Rauchverbot, zur Lungen-Rast.
Kein Dunst mehr, der die Sinne lähmt,
Gesundheit siegt, wird nicht beschämt.

Where smoke once made the air dull and heavy,
there one now breathes freely and more readily.
The sign hangs clearly, for every guest:
A smoking ban, for the lungs' rest.
No more haze that numbs the senses,
Health wins, is not shamed by offenses.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich hänge an Wänden, in Bus und Bahn,
verbiete den Dunst, den keiner mag ha'n.
Für frische Luft sorge ich gern,
halte Zigarettenrauch von dir fern.

Was bin ich?
I hang on walls, in bus and train,
I forbid the haze that none like to gain.
For fresh air, I gladly care,
keep cigarette smoke far from where you fare.

What am I?

➕ Other Info on 'Rauchverbot'

Word Composition (*Wortzusammensetzung*):

As mentioned, das Rauchverbot is composed of:

• der Rauch: *smoke* (produced by burning substances, specifically tobacco here).
• das Verbot: *ban, prohibition* (a rule stating something is not allowed).

Context & History:

Smoking bans (*Rauchverbote*) are a relatively modern phenomenon resulting from growing awareness of the health risks of smoking and passive smoking. Compared to other European countries, Germany introduced comprehensive non-smoker protection laws (*Nichtraucherschutzgesetze*) rather late, often regulated at the state (*Länder*) level.