Blitz and Donner are two different nouns in German that correspond to the natural phenomena of lightning and thunder, respectively.
Meanings
- Blitz: lightning — a sudden flash of light in the sky caused by an electrical discharge.
- Donner: thunder — the loud rumbling or crashing sound that follows lightning.
Usage in Sentences
Blitz (lightning)
| German Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| Der Blitz hat in den Baum eingeschlagen. | The lightning struck the tree. |
| Ich habe den Blitz am Himmel gesehen. | I saw the lightning in the sky. |
| Der Blitz war so hell, dass es kurz taghell wurde. | The lightning was so bright that it briefly became daylight. |
Donner (thunder)
| German Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| Der Donner war laut und beängstigend. | The thunder was loud and frightening. |
| Nach dem Blitz kam der Donner. | After the lightning came the thunder. |
| Man hört den Donner schon in der Ferne. | You can already hear the thunder in the distance. |
Nach dem Blitz kam der Donner.
After the lightning came the thunder.
Nach dem Blitz = After the lightning; kam der Donner = came the thunder.
Common Expressions
- Blitz:
- Blitz und Donner* — lightning and thunder (used together to describe a thunderstorm)
- Blitzschnell* — lightning-quick
- Donner:
- Donnergrollen* — the rumbling of thunder
- mit Donner und Blitz* — with thunder and lightning (meaning with great intensity or noise)
Summary
- Blitz = lightning (the flash of light)
- Donner = thunder (the sound after lightning)
These two occur naturally together in storms, but Blitz refers to the visual phenomenon, while Donner refers to the auditory one.
What does the German expression 'Blitz und Donner' mean in English?
Lightning and thunder
'Blitz und Donner' literally translates to 'lightning and thunder' and is used to describe a thunderstorm.
Flashcards (1 of 6)
- English Example: The lightning struck the tree.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
