stürmisch

Stürmisch is a German adjective meaning stormy, tempestuous, or turbulent. It describes conditions that are characterized by strong winds and often precipitation, but it can also refer to lively or volatile moods, events, or relationships.

In meteorology, stürmisch refers to unsettled, windy weather. Common collocations include stürmisches Wetter and stürmische See, where the sea or air is rough and the weather can change rapidly. The term is regularly used in weather forecasts and reports to convey the intensity of wind and accompanying conditions.

In figurative usage, stürmisch describes situations that are emotionally or socially turbulent. A stürmische Beziehung (stormy relationship) or stürmische Zeiten (tumultuous times) conveys volatility, rapid change, or conflict rather than mere calmness. The word can emphasize intensity and upheaval without attributing blame.

Etymology and formation: stürmisch is formed from the noun Sturm (storm) with the adjectival suffix -isch. This type of derivation is common in German for turning nouns into adjectives. The form is attested from early modern German and reflects the longstanding association between weather and mood in the language.

Related terms and contrasts: the opposite of stürmisch is ruhig or friedlich, denoting calm or peaceful conditions. In broader use, stürmisch often appears alongside other weather descriptors to convey the overall severity or unpredictability of a situation.