das  Tränengas

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtʁɛːnənɡas/

💧 What Exactly is Tränengas?

Das Tränengas (noun, neuter) refers to a chemical irritant that causes severe burning sensations, lacrimation (tear flow), and breathing difficulties upon contact with the eyes or respiratory tract. It is often used by security forces like the police (die Polizei) or the military (das Militär) to disperse crowds or repel attacks.

It is considered a so-called non-lethal agent, but its use is controversial and carries health risks. The name derives directly from its effect: it causes Tränen (tears) and is a Gas (or usually an aerosol).

🚨 There is only this one article: das Tränengas. This is due to the base word "Gas", which is neuter ("das Gas").

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: das Tränengas

The word "Tränengas" is a neuter noun (sächlich). It follows the strong declension pattern for neuter nouns.

Example Sentences

• Die Polizei setzte das Tränengas gegen die Demonstranten ein.
  (The police used tear gas against the demonstrators.)
• Der Geruch des Tränengases lag noch Stunden später in der Luft.
  (The smell of the tear gas was still in the air hours later.)
• Viele Menschen reagieren empfindlich auf Tränengas.
  (Many people react sensitively to tear gas.)
• Man sollte sich vor dem Tränengas schützen.
  (One should protect oneself from the tear gas.)

💨 When and How is Tränengas Mentioned?

"Das Tränengas" is mainly used in contexts related to security, politics, protests, or military operations.

• News and Reporting: Common in reports about demonstrations (Demonstrationen), riots (Unruhen), or police operations (Polizeieinsätze).
• Security Forces: Police (Polizei) and military (Militär) refer to it as an operational tool (Einsatzmittel).
• Political Discussions: Debates about the proportionality (Verhältnismäßigkeit) of using such means.
• Health: Discussions about health effects and first-aid measures.

In everyday conversation, the word appears less frequently unless discussing such events.

⚠️ Avoid trivializing it. Although often called "non-lethal", tear gas can cause serious health damage, especially with improper use or in vulnerable individuals.

🧠 Mnemonics for Tränengas

Article Mnemonic: Remember "das Gas". Like many other nouns ending in "-gas" (e.g., das Erdgas - natural gas, das Edelgas - noble gas), das Tränengas is also neuter.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone crying after contact with the gas – it causes Tränen (tears). The word literally describes its effect: a gas that causes tears.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potentially Confusing Words

• Pfefferspray: (Pepper spray) - Has a similar irritant effect but is usually based on capsaicin (from chili peppers) and is often a liquid stream or fog, not technically a gas. More commonly used for self-defense.
• Nervengas: (Nerve agent/gas) - Highly toxic chemical warfare agents that attack the nervous system and are usually lethal. Significantly more dangerous than tear gas.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Zwiebelkoch immer Tränengas dabei?

(Why does the onion chef always carry tear gas?)

Damit er auch mal weinen kann, ohne dass es an den Zwiebeln liegt! 😉

(So that he can cry sometimes without it being the onions' fault!) 😉

✒️ Poem about the Gas

Wo Rauch aufsteigt, die Menge flieht,
Ein scharfer Dunst durch Gassen zieht.
Das Tränengas, so wird's genannt,
Verbreitet schnell in Stadt und Land.
Die Augen brennen, tränen sehr,
Die Luft zu atmen fällt so schwer.
Ein Mittel scharf, im Einsatz oft,
Auf Ruhe man vergeblich hofft.

--- Translation ---

Where smoke ascends, the crowd takes flight,
A pungent haze drifts through the street's dim light.
Tear gas, that's what it is called,
Spreading quickly, enthralling all.
The eyes do burn, profusely weep,
To draw a breath feels hard and deep.
A harsh tool, used in frequent strife,
For peace one hopes in vain in life.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Koch, doch bring' zum Weinen.
Ich bin kein Geist, doch lass' dich schwer erscheinen.
Ich bin kein Gift, doch meidest du mich sehr,
Besonders wenn die Polizei kommt her.

Was bin ich?

--- Translation & Clues ---

I am no cook, yet I make you cry.
I am no ghost, yet make you feel unwell nigh.
I am no poison, yet you avoid me with dread,
Especially when the police are ahead.

What am I?
(Answer: Das Tränengas / Tear gas)

💡 More Facts

Word Composition:

The word "Tränengas" is a compound noun, formed from:

• Die Träne (plural: die Tränen): The tear(s) - the liquid from the eyes when crying.
• Das Gas: Gas - a substance in a gaseous state.

Chemical Nature:

Technically, tear gas is often not a true gas but an aerosol – fine solid or liquid particles dispersed in the air. The most common active agents are CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) and CN (chloroacetophenone).