der  Lärm

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/lɛʁm/

🔊 What does "der Lärm" mean?

Der Lärm is the German word for noise, *specifically sound that is perceived as* unpleasant, disturbing, loud, or even harmful to health. *It refers to a subjectively perceived, unwanted sound event. Unlike the neutral term Geräusch (sound), Lärm has a negative connotation.

Examples of noise sources (Lärmquellen) include:

• Traffic (Straßenlärm - road noise, Fluglärm - aircraft noise)
• Construction sites (Baulärm - construction noise)
• Loud music
• Industrial plants (Industrielärm - industrial noise)
• Screaming children (although perception can vary greatly here 😉)

⚠️ Important: What is perceived as Lärm is often very individual and depends on the situation.*

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Lärm

"Lärm" is a* masculine noun. Therefore, the article is der. *It is mostly used in the singular.*

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural form "die Lärme" is very rare *and hardly ever used. Usually, people talk about "verschiedene Arten von Lärm" (different types of noise) or use paraphrases.*

Example Sentences

• Der Lärm von der Baustelle ist unerträglich.
  (The noise from the construction site is unbearable.)
• Könnt ihr bitte weniger Lärm machen?
  (Could you please make less noise?)
• Wir müssen uns vor dem schädlichen Lärm schützen.
  (We must protect ourselves from the harmful noise.)
• Die Anwohner beschwerten sich über den nächtlichen Lärm.
  (The residents complained about the nightly noise.)

🗣️ How to use "Lärm"?

"Lärm" is used to describe unwanted, loud sounds. It always carries a negative meaning.

Difference from Geräusch: A Geräusch *is any sound that is perceived (neutral or positive). Lärm is always a disturbing sound.

Example:* Das Rauschen des Meeres ist ein Geräusch (The sound of the sea is a Geräusch), but der Presslufthammer macht Lärm (the jackhammer makes Lärm).*

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Lärm"

Remembering the Article "der"

Imagine der big, strong MAN (Mann = masculine) making a huge Lärm with his jackhammer. (Masculine association). Or: Think of the English word "alarm" which sounds similar to Lärm. An alarm is often loud and associated with urgency, which fits the disruptive nature of der Lärm. Also, 'alarm' could be triggered by 'der Einbrecher' (the burglar, masculine).*

Remembering the Meaning "Noise"

The word Lärm *sounds a bit like the English "alarm". Alarms are typically loud and unwanted noises, just like Lärm. Or: Too much Lärm can make you feel lame in the head.*

🔁 Similar and Opposite Words

⚠️ Confusion Alert

Don't confuse Lärm (always negative, disturbing) with Geräusch (neutral). Birdsong is a Geräusch, but rarely Lärm (*unless it's 5 AM right outside your window* 😉).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, kannst du mir drei Tiere nennen, die viel Lärm machen?"
Fritzchen: "Ja, Herr Lehrer: der Esel, der Kuckuck und mein kleiner Bruder!"

Translation:
The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, can you name three animals that make a lot of noise?"
Fritzchen: "Yes, teacher: the donkey, the cuckoo, and my little brother!"

✍️ Poem about Noise

Die Straße dröhnt, die Hupe schreit,
Baustellenlärm zu jeder Zeit.
Maschinen rattern, Motoren brummen,
Die Ohren fangen an zu summen.
Der Lärm, er raubt uns Ruh' und Kraft,
Ein Leben, das nach Stille schafft.

Translation:
The street booms, the horn screams,
Construction noise at all times it seems.
Machines rattle, engines hum,
The ears begin to feel numb.
The noise, it steals our peace and might,
A life that strives for silent light.

❓ Riddle

Ich habe keinen Mund, doch kann laut sein,
Ich dringe oft in dein Zuhause ein.
Manch einer mag mich gar nicht leiden,
Versucht, mich stets zu meiden.
Bin ich zu viel, tut's den Ohren weh.
Was bin ich wohl? Na klar, ...

Translation:
I have no mouth, yet can be loud,
I often enter your house through the crowd (of sounds).
Some people really don't like me,
Always try to avoid me, you see.
If I'm too much, the ears feel pain.
What am I then? Of course, ...

Solution: der Lärm (noise)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen)

"Lärm" is often part of compound nouns that specify the source of the noise:

• Straßenlärm: Road noise
• Fluglärm: Aircraft noise
• Baulärm: Construction noise
• Industrielärm: Industrial noise
• Nachbarschaftslärm: Neighborhood noise
• Lärmschutzwand: Noise barrier
• Lärmpegel: Noise level

Origin (Herkunft)

*The word "Lärm" comes from the Middle High German word "larm" or "larme", which originally meant "shout, alarm call" (compare French "alarme" and Italian "all'arme" - "to arms!"). The current meaning of "disturbing noise" developed later.*