die  Brise

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/bʁiːzə/

🌬️ What exactly is a 'Brise'?

The word die Brise means a light to moderate wind or breeze. It's a feminine noun (hence 'die') and is typically used to describe a pleasant, often refreshing movement of air, especially by the sea or on warm days.

In contrast to a strong wind (starker Wind) or storm (Sturm), a Brise is gentle. A distinction is often made between a Seebrise (sea breeze, from sea to land) and a Landbrise (land breeze, from land to sea).

⚠️ Good news! There's only this one meaning for die Brise, which makes it easier to learn!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Declension of 'Brise'

The noun die Brise is feminine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences:

• Eine leichte Brise wehte vom Meer herüber.
  (A light breeze blew over from the sea.)
• Wir genießen die erfrischende Brise am Abend.
  (We enjoy the refreshing breeze in the evening.)
• Dank der kühlen Brise war die Hitze erträglich.
  (Thanks to the cool breeze, the heat was bearable.)
• Das Rauschen der Blätter im Spiel der Brise beruhigte ihn.
  (The rustling of the leaves in the play of the breeze calmed him.)
• Starke Brisen können Segelboote schnell voranbringen.
  (Strong breezes can move sailboats quickly.)

💨 When does the 'Brise' blow? Usage Contexts

Die Brise is used to describe a specific wind strength – stronger than a mere whiff (Hauch) but weaker than a strong wind (starker Wind).

• Weather reports (Wetterbericht): Meteorologists use the term to indicate wind conditions (e.g., "eine frische Brise aus Westen" - a fresh breeze from the west).
• Near water: Very common in connection with the sea (Meer), lakes (Seen), or rivers (Flüsse) (Seebrise, Landbrise).
• Everyday language: To describe a pleasant, light air movement ("Was für eine herrliche Brise heute!" - What a wonderful breeze today!).
• Literature/Poetry: Often used to create a gentle, peaceful atmosphere.

Distinction from other words:

• Lüftchen/Hauch: Even lighter than a Brise. Like a waft or whiff of air.
• Wind: General term, can be any strength. A Brise is a type of Wind.
• Sturm/Orkan: Significantly stronger and more dangerous than a Brise (storm/hurricane).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Brise'

1. For the article 'die':

   Think: Die is the feminine article. Imagine a lady (feminine) enjoying the gentle Brise by the seaside. She (die) loves the breeze.

2. For the meaning 'light wind/breeze':

   A Brise sounds a bit like 'breeze' in English, and they mean the same thing! Also, think of 'a prise of refreshment' - Prise (pinch/small amount) sounds similar to Brise, indicating a small amount of wind.

🔄 Similar and Different: Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Caution: Don't confuse die Brise with das Bries (sweetbread - the thymus gland of an animal used as food)! It sounds similar but has a completely different meaning and article.

😄 A Little Wind-Related Humor

German:
Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist Wind?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Luft, die es eilig hat!"
Lehrer: "Und was ist eine Brise?"
Fritzchen: "Luft, die es nicht ganz so eilig hat!" 😉

English Translation:
The teacher asks: "What is wind?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "Air that's in a hurry!"
Teacher: "And what is a breeze (Brise)?"
Little Fritz: "Air that's not in quite so much of a hurry!" 😉

📜 A Breeze in Verse

German:
Die Sonne scheint, der Tag ist warm,
Am Meer, da weht's ganz ohne Harm.
Ein sanfter Hauch, so frisch und lieb,
Die Brise, die uns Freude gibt.
Sie spielt im Haar, streicht übers Land,
Ein Kühlhauch aus des Himmels Hand.

English Translation:
The sun shines bright, the day is warm,
By the sea, it blows without harm.
A gentle waft, so fresh and dear,
The breeze (Brise) that brings us joyful cheer.
It plays in hair, strokes o'er the land,
A cooling breath from heaven's hand.

❓ Little Wind Riddle

German:
Ich bin kein Sturm, doch bring' Bewegung,
Bin sanft und sorg' für Abkühlung.
Am Meer bin ich oft gern gesehen,
Lass Fahnen sanft im Winde wehen.

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I am no storm, yet I bring motion,
Am gentle and provide cool lotion (cooling effect).
By the sea, I'm often gladly seen,
Let flags gently flutter, serene.

What am I?

💡 More about 'die Brise'

Etymology: The word "Brise" comes from French (brise), where it also refers to a light sea wind. It became established in German in the 17th century.

Beaufort Scale: On the Beaufort scale, which classifies wind speeds, a "leichte Brise" (light breeze) corresponds to force 2 (leaves rustle, wind vane moves), a "schwache Brise" (gentle breeze) to force 3 (leaves and small twigs in constant motion), a "mäßige Brise" (moderate breeze) to force 4 (raises dust and loose paper; small branches are moved), and a "frische Brise" (fresh breeze) to force 5 (small trees in leaf begin to sway).