How do you say "fumes" in German?

The correct translation for "fumes" in German is "Dämpfe." Fumes typically refer to vapor or gas emitted as a byproduct, often as a result of combustion or chemical reactions. "Dämpfe" specifically captures this meaning, relating to the vapor or mist that can arise from heated substances or chemical processes.

"Rauchgase" refers more specifically to smoke gases, which may not encompass all types of fumes, especially when considering non-combustion vapors. "Gase" simply means gases in general and lacks the specificity required to accurately translate the term "fumes." Lastly, "Verdampfungen" translates to "evaporations," which describes the process of a substance changing from liquid to gas, rather than the resultant gaseous product itself. Therefore, "Dämpfe" is the most accurate choice for conveying the concept of fumes in German.