die  Witterung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɪtɐʊŋ/

🌦️ What does "die Witterung" mean?

The noun die Witterung describes the general, prevailing weather conditions over a specific period, often considering their effects on nature, people, or materials. It's more abstract and general than the specific Wetter (weather) on a particular day.

You use Witterung when referring to the character of the weather over days, weeks, or even a season.

It only exists in the feminine form: die Witterung. 🚨 Be careful: Don't confuse it with Verwitterung (weathering, the process of rock decomposition)!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of Witterung in Detail

Die Witterung is a feminine noun. It is mostly used in the singular because it describes a general state. The plural (die Witterungen) is rare and only used when referring to different, specific periods of weather conditions.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural (Rare)

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Pflanzen haben unter der rauen Witterung gelitten.
   (The plants suffered from the harsh weather conditions.)
2. Wir müssen die Fassade vor der Witterung schützen.
   (We have to protect the facade from the weather/elements.)
3. Die milde Witterung im Februar war ungewöhnlich.
   (The mild weather conditions in February were unusual.)
4. Aufgrund der unsicheren Witterung wurde die Wanderung verschoben.
   (Due to the uncertain weather conditions, the hike was postponed.)

💡 How to Use "Witterung"

Die Witterung is often used when talking about longer weather phases or emphasizing the effects of the weather:

• Agriculture & Gardening: Die Witterung im Frühjahr war ideal für das Wachstum. (The weather conditions in spring were ideal for growth.)
• Construction: Das Holz muss witterungsbeständig sein. (The wood must be weather-resistant.) (Here as part of 'witterungsbeständig')
• General: Er trotzte Wind und Witterung. (He braved wind and weather.) (Fixed expression)

Difference from das Wetter:

• Wetter: Refers to the current or short-term state of the atmosphere (sun, rain, temperature today or tomorrow). Example: Das Wetter heute ist schön. (The weather today is nice.)
• Witterung: Refers to the general character of the weather over a period. Example: Die Witterung im letzten Winter war sehr mild. (The weather conditions last winter were very mild.)

Typical adjectives used with Witterung are: rau (harsh), mild, günstig (favorable), ungünstig (unfavorable), beständig (stable), unbeständig (unstable), feucht (damp), trocken (dry).

🧠 Mnemonics for Witterung

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in "-ung" are feminine (die). Think of: die Heizung (heating), die Zeitung (newspaper), die Meinung (opinion)... and also die Witterung! It's a common pattern.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you *witter* (sense/perceive) the air over a longer time – sometimes it's cold, warm, damp. This general, sensed atmosphere over time is die Witterung. Think of the 'wider' range of conditions it covers compared to just today's *Wetter*.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Verwitterung: (Weathering) The process of rock decomposition due to exposure to weather.
• Wittern: The verb; to scent, sense, or suspect (e.g., Gefahr wittern - to sense danger).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Meteorologen immer einen roten Stift mit zur Arbeit?
(Why do meteorologists always take a red pen to work?)

Damit sie die Witterung unterstreichen können!
(So they can underline the Witterung! - A pun on 'unterstreichen' meaning both 'to underline' and 'to emphasize')

📜 Poem about Witterung

Die Witterung, sie wechselt schnell,
Mal Sonne hell, mal Regen schwell'.
Mal lau der Wind, mal stürmt er kalt,
Sie prägt das Land, den jungen Wald.
Der Bauer schaut, was sie ihm bringt,
Ob Segen lacht, ob Sorge singt.

(The weather conditions, they change fast,
Sometimes bright sun, sometimes rain swells past.
Sometimes mild the wind, sometimes it storms cold,
It shapes the land, the forest young and old.
The farmer watches what it brings,
Whether blessings laugh, or sorrow sings.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin nicht das Wetter von nur einem Tag,
Beschreibe, was über Wochen herrschen mag.
Ich beeinflusse Pflanzen, Bau und Dein Gefühl,
Mal bin ich rau, mal angenehm kühl.

Was bin ich?

(I am not the weather of just one day,
Describe what may prevail for weeks, they say.
I influence plants, buildings, and how you feel,
Sometimes I'm harsh, sometimes pleasantly cool.

What am I?)

Solution: die Witterung

🧩 Further Details

Word Composition: The word Witterung derives from the verb wittern. Originally, 'wittern' meant something like 'to get air', 'to smell' or 'to sense'. So, Witterung is essentially the 'sensed' or 'perceived' general condition of the air and atmosphere over a period.

Cultural Note: In many German-speaking regions, there are Bauernregeln (farmer's rules/lore), which attempt to predict the Witterung or identify patterns (e.g., „Ist der Februar mild und schön, wird der Bauer um Futter fleh'n“ – If February is mild and fair, the farmer will beg for fodder).