B1 noun #49 am häufigsten 13 Min. Lesezeit

shrimps

At the A1 level, 'shrimps' is a simple word for a type of food. You might learn it when talking about things you like to eat or when visiting a restaurant. Shrimps are small animals that live in the water. They are usually pink or white when they are cooked. You can say, 'I like shrimps' or 'Do you eat shrimps?' It is a plural word, so we use 's' at the end when we talk about more than one. In many simple English books, you will see pictures of shrimps in the ocean or on a plate. It is an easy word to remember because it is short and describes a very common seafood that many people around the world enjoy.
At the A2 level, you can use 'shrimps' to describe meals and shopping. You might talk about buying 'a bag of frozen shrimps' at the supermarket or ordering 'grilled shrimps' for dinner. You start to understand that shrimps are part of the 'seafood' group. You can use adjectives to describe them, like 'big shrimps' or 'tasty shrimps.' You might also learn that they have shells that you sometimes need to take off before eating. At this level, you can use the word in basic sentences about cooking, such as 'I cook the shrimps in a pan with some oil and salt.' It is a useful word for daily life and travel.
At the B1 level, you understand that 'shrimps' can refer to both the animal and the food. You can discuss different ways of preparing them, such as 'peeling,' 'deveining,' or 'marinating.' You might also notice that in some countries, people say 'prawns' instead of 'shrimps.' You can use the word in more complex sentences, like 'The shrimps were served with a spicy sauce that complemented their sweet flavor.' You are also able to understand the pluralization rule where 'shrimp' can be a mass noun for food, but 'shrimps' is used for individual animals or different types. This level allows you to follow recipes and have more detailed conversations about food and nature.
At the B2 level, you can use 'shrimps' in technical or environmental contexts. You might read about 'shrimp farming' and its effect on the environment, or the 'shrimping industry' in certain regions. You understand the biological classification of shrimps as crustaceans and can discuss their role in the marine ecosystem. You can also use the word in idiomatic expressions or more formal writing. For example, 'The population of local shrimps has declined due to water pollution.' You are comfortable with the nuances of the word and can distinguish between various species of shrimps based on their habitat and characteristics. Your vocabulary is rich enough to describe the texture and flavor profiles of different shrimps.
At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated understanding of the word 'shrimps.' You can use it in academic discussions about marine biology, aquaculture, and global trade. You are aware of the subtle differences between 'shrimp' and 'prawn' and can use the terms accurately in a professional or scientific setting. You can write detailed reports on the economic impact of the shrimp trade or the physiological adaptations of deep-sea shrimps. You also appreciate the cultural significance of shrimps in various world cuisines and can discuss them with a high degree of precision. Your use of the word is natural, and you can easily navigate the complexities of its plural forms and collective usage.
At the C2 level, your mastery of the word 'shrimps' is complete. You can use it in any context, from poetic descriptions of marine life to complex legal documents regarding fishing rights. You understand the etymology of the word and its historical development. You can use 'shrimps' metaphorically and recognize its use in obscure literature or specialized jargon. You are capable of discussing the most minute details of shrimp anatomy or the intricate logistics of the international seafood supply chain. Your command of the word allows you to express subtle shades of meaning and to adapt your usage perfectly to the audience and the medium, whether it be a scientific journal or a casual blog post.

shrimps in 30 Sekunden

  • Shrimps are small, ten-legged aquatic crustaceans widely enjoyed as a popular seafood staple across many global cultures and cuisines.
  • Biologically, they are decapods found in both salt and fresh water, playing a key role in marine ecosystems as scavengers.
  • In English, 'shrimps' is the plural form used specifically when counting individuals or referring to various distinct species of the animal.
  • They are known for their sweet flavor, firm texture, and the characteristic pink color they turn when subjected to heat during cooking.

The word shrimps refers to the plural form of shrimp, which are small, aquatic crustaceans belonging to the order Decapoda. Biologically, they are characterized by elongated bodies, typically compressed from side to side, and long antennae. While the term is often used interchangeably with 'prawns' in casual conversation, especially in culinary contexts, they are distinct groups within the suborder Pleocyemata. People use the word shrimps most frequently when discussing seafood, marine biology, or fishing. In a culinary sense, shrimps are a global staple, appearing in everything from Italian scampi to Japanese tempura and American shrimp cocktail. The word is also used to describe various species, such as tiger shrimps, king shrimps, or brown shrimps, highlighting the diversity within the group. Beyond biology, the word can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe something small or insignificant, though this is more common in the singular form.

Biological Classification
Shrimps are invertebrates that live in both fresh and salt water, playing a crucial role in the aquatic food chain as both predators of smaller organisms and prey for larger fish and mammals.

The fisherman hauled in a massive net filled with thousands of tiny, translucent shrimps that shimmered in the morning sun.

Culinary Versatility
In the kitchen, shrimps are prized for their sweet flavor and firm texture, often requiring quick cooking methods like sautéing, boiling, or grilling to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

For the paella to be authentic, you must include several varieties of local shrimps, including the deep-red Mediterranean variety.

When you visit a seafood market, you might see labels for 'freshwater shrimps' or 'deep-sea shrimps.' These distinctions are important because the habitat significantly affects the flavor profile and size of the crustacean. In environmental science, shrimps are often studied as bioindicators; their health and population density can reveal a lot about the pollution levels and temperature changes in their local ecosystems. Because they are scavengers, they help clean the ocean floor, but they are also sensitive to chemical runoff. Therefore, when people talk about shrimps in a scientific context, they are often discussing the health of the entire marine environment. In popular culture, the word is immortalized in movies like 'Forrest Gump,' where the character Bubba lists dozens of ways to prepare shrimps, cementing the word's association with Southern American cuisine and the industry of shrimping.

Marine biologists are currently tracking the migration patterns of several species of shrimps to understand how rising ocean temperatures affect their breeding cycles.

Economic Impact
The global trade of shrimps is a multi-billion dollar industry, involving complex supply chains from aquaculture farms in Southeast Asia to high-end restaurants in New York and London.

The local economy relies heavily on the seasonal harvest of pink shrimps, which draws tourists and seafood wholesalers to the docks every spring.

After the storm, the beach was littered with thousands of tiny shrimps that had been washed ashore by the unusually high tide.

Using the word shrimps correctly requires an understanding of its role as a plural noun. While 'shrimp' is frequently used as a collective plural (e.g., 'I ate a lot of shrimp'), shrimps is the preferred form when you are emphasizing individual units or distinct varieties. For instance, if you are a scientist cataloging the different types of crustaceans in a reef, you would say, 'We identified six different shrimps in this area.' In a culinary context, if you are counting specific items, you might say, 'The recipe calls for twelve large shrimps.' It is also common in descriptive writing to use shrimps to evoke a sense of multitude or variety. The word functions as the subject or object of a sentence and can be modified by a wide range of adjectives describing size, color, origin, and preparation method.

As a Direct Object
When the action is being performed on the crustaceans, they serve as the direct object.

The chef carefully deveined the shrimps before tossing them into the sizzling garlic butter.

In Comparative Contexts
You can use the word to compare different types or sizes of the animal.

These cold-water shrimps are much smaller but far more flavorful than the farm-raised varieties from the tropics.

In more formal or technical writing, shrimps is often accompanied by taxonomic names or specific anatomical descriptions. For example, 'The pleopods of these shrimps are adapted for swimming rather than crawling.' In literature, the word might be used to describe the teeming life of a tide pool or the bounty of a seafood feast. It is also used in compound nouns and phrases, such as 'shrimps on the barbie' (a famous, though slightly stereotypical, Australian phrase) or 'shrimps in blankets.' When writing about the fishing industry, you might discuss 'shrimps' in terms of 'bycatch' or 'yields,' referring to the specific quantity of individual animals harvested. The flexibility of the word allows it to fit into casual dinner conversations as easily as it fits into a doctoral thesis on marine biology.

We watched as the aquarium staff fed the sea anemones several small, frozen shrimps using long tweezers.

Descriptive Adjectives
Common adjectives include: jumbo, succulent, peeled, deveined, wild-caught, and fermented.

The platter was piled high with jumbo shrimps, each one perfectly chilled and served with a spicy horseradish sauce.

The biology students spent the afternoon classifying various shrimps found in the brackish waters of the estuary.

You will encounter the word shrimps in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. One of the most common places is at a seafood market or the fish counter of a grocery store. Here, fishmongers use the term to distinguish between different sizes and origins of their stock. You might hear a customer ask, 'Are these shrimps wild-caught or farm-raised?' or a seller shout out the price of 'fresh local shrimps.' In restaurants, particularly those specializing in Mediterranean, Asian, or Southern American cuisine, the word appears frequently on menus and in descriptions provided by servers. A waiter might explain that the 'shrimps' in a particular dish are sourced from a specific bay, emphasizing their freshness and quality.

In the Fishing Industry
On the docks and on fishing trawlers, 'shrimps' is the standard term for the catch, used in discussions about quotas, nets, and processing.

The captain noted that the shrimps were particularly abundant this season due to the favorable currents.

In Scientific Documentaries
Nature programs narrated by figures like David Attenborough often use 'shrimps' when describing the complex behaviors of marine life.

Deep in the hydrothermal vents, these specialized shrimps have evolved to survive without any sunlight at all.

Beyond the physical world, you'll hear shrimps in educational settings. Biology teachers use the word when explaining the structure of arthropods or the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. In environmental advocacy, you might hear about the impact of 'shrimp farming' on mangrove forests, where the plural 'shrimps' is used to refer to the vast numbers of animals being raised. Interestingly, you also hear the word in idioms and slang. While 'shrimp' is a common disparaging term for a small person, the plural shrimps is sometimes used in a more playful or diminutive way. In the world of competitive cooking shows, judges often critique the preparation of shrimps, focusing on whether they have been overcooked or properly cleaned. Whether you're at a high-end sushi bar in Tokyo or a casual crawfish boil in Louisiana, the word shrimps is a constant presence in the vocabulary of food and nature.

The documentary highlighted how the tiny shrimps at the bottom of the food chain support the entire whale population.

In Culinary Education
Students in culinary school are taught the precise methods for peeling and deveining shrimps to maintain their aesthetic appeal.

The chef demonstrated how to butterfly the shrimps so they would cook evenly and look impressive on the plate.

At the aquarium, the children were fascinated by the bright colors of the tropical shrimps living in the coral reef tank.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word shrimps is confusing it with the singular/collective plural 'shrimp.' In many English-speaking regions, particularly the United States, 'shrimp' is used as both the singular and the plural form when referring to the animal as food (e.g., 'I want some shrimp'). However, using shrimps is not incorrect; it simply changes the emphasis to individual count or variety. A common error is using 'shrimps' when 'shrimp' would sound more natural in a culinary context, or vice versa in a scientific one. Another significant point of confusion is the distinction between 'shrimps' and 'prawns.' While they look similar and are often used interchangeably in recipes, they are biologically different. Prawns have a different gill structure and their legs are longer, with three pairs of claws instead of two.

Pluralization Errors
Avoid saying 'many shrimp' when you are specifically counting them in a formal list; 'many shrimps' or 'several shrimps' is often clearer for individual counts.

Incorrect: I saw three shrimp in the tank. (While common, 'shrimps' is more precise for individual counts).

The Prawn Confusion
Don't assume 'shrimps' and 'prawns' are the same everywhere. In the UK, 'shrimps' are tiny, while 'prawns' are large. In the US, 'shrimp' is the general term for both.

The recipe said to use shrimps, but the market only had prawns, which are much larger and require more cooking time.

Another mistake involves the countability of the word. When you are talking about the food item in a general sense, it is often treated as an uncountable mass noun (like 'rice' or 'fish'). For example, 'We had shrimp for dinner.' Using 'shrimps' in this sentence ('We had shrimps for dinner') can sound slightly awkward to native speakers unless you are emphasizing that you ate several individual, distinct pieces. Furthermore, learners sometimes mispronounce the word, failing to clearly articulate the 'sh' and 'r' sounds together, which can lead to it sounding like 'simps' or 'shimps.' It's also important to avoid using 'shrimp' as a derogatory term for a person, as it can be offensive, though 'shrimps' is rarely used this way. Finally, be careful with the spelling of related words like 'shrimping' or 'shrimpy,' ensuring you maintain the 'shrimp' root.

Many people mistakenly call all small crustaceans shrimps, even if they are actually krill or small lobsters.

Contextual Appropriateness
Using 'shrimps' in a high-level scientific paper is expected, but using it in a casual American BBQ might sound slightly formal or non-native.

He was embarrassed when he realized he had been mislabeling the shrimps as 'crayfish' for the entire biology project.

The student lost points on the exam for failing to use the plural shrimps when describing the diverse population of the reef.

When discussing shrimps, it is helpful to know related terms that might be more specific or appropriate depending on the context. The most common alternative is 'prawns.' As mentioned, while often used interchangeably, 'prawns' usually refers to larger, freshwater-dwelling species with a slightly different anatomy. In many parts of the world, especially the Commonwealth countries, 'prawn' is the dominant term for what Americans call 'shrimp.' Another related term is 'krill,' which are much smaller, shrimp-like crustaceans that form a massive part of the diet for whales and other large marine animals. While they look like tiny shrimps, they belong to a different order (Euphausiacea). For smaller, more delicate varieties used in European cooking, you might hear the term 'crevettes,' which is the French word for shrimps and is often used in high-end culinary contexts.

Shrimps vs. Prawns
Shrimps have branching gills and their second abdominal segment overlaps the first and third; prawns have lamellar gills and the segments overlap in a simple tile-like fashion.

The menu offered a choice between local shrimps and imported king prawns, the latter being significantly larger.

Shrimps vs. Krill
While shrimps are often harvested for human consumption, krill are primarily harvested for fish feed and omega-3 oil supplements.

Unlike the shrimps we eat, krill are nearly transparent and live in massive swarms in the open ocean.

Other similar animals include 'crayfish' (also known as crawfish or crawdads), which look like tiny lobsters and live in freshwater. While they are related to shrimps, they are much more robust and have larger claws. In a more general sense, you might use the term 'crustaceans' to refer to the broader group that includes shrimps, crabs, and lobsters. In culinary terms, if you are looking for a substitute for shrimps in a recipe, you might consider 'scallops' or 'calamari,' which offer a similar seafood profile but with different textures. For those looking for plant-based alternatives, 'king oyster mushrooms' or 'konjac-based' products are often used to mimic the shape and bounce of cooked shrimps. Understanding these alternatives helps in precise communication, whether you are ordering at a restaurant, following a recipe, or studying marine biology.

The biologist explained that while shrimps and lobsters are both decapods, they have very different ecological niches.

Regional Terms
In Spanish-speaking countries, you will see 'camarones' (shrimps) and 'gambas' (large shrimps/prawns) on the menu.

We enjoyed a platter of 'gambas al ajillo,' which are large shrimps sautéed in a rich garlic and chili oil.

The tide pool was teeming with life, from tiny shrimps to colorful sea anemones and hermit crabs.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

""

Neutral

""

Informell

""

Child friendly

""

Umgangssprache

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Wusstest du?

The word 'shrimp' was used to describe small people long before it became the standard name for the seafood we eat today.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ʃrɪmps/
US /ʃrɪmps/
The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.
Reimt sich auf
limps pimps skimps blimps chimps imps wimps glimps
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing it as 'shimps' (omitting the 'r').
  • Pronouncing it as 'simps' (omitting the 'h').
  • Adding an extra vowel sound at the end, like 'shrimp-es'.
  • Making the 'i' sound too long, like 'shreemps'.
  • Confusing the 'sh' with a 'ch' sound.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

The word is short and common in most basic texts.

Schreiben 3/5

Spelling the 'sh' and 'r' together can be tricky for some learners.

Sprechen 3/5

The 'mps' cluster at the end requires clear articulation.

Hören 2/5

Easily recognizable in context, though can be confused with 'prawns'.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

fish sea food small water

Als Nächstes lernen

prawns lobster crab seafood crustacean

Fortgeschritten

aquaculture decapod bioluminescence symbiosis mangrove

Wichtige Grammatik

Irregular Plurals and Collective Nouns

You can say 'I caught ten shrimp' or 'I caught ten shrimps'.

Adjective Order

Large (size) pink (color) cooked (state) shrimps.

Count vs. Non-count Nouns

'Much shrimp' (mass) vs 'Many shrimps' (individual).

Possessive Plurals

The shrimps' shells are very hard.

Compound Noun Formation

Shrimp + boat = shrimp-boat.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

I like to eat shrimps.

J'aime manger des crevettes.

Plural noun 'shrimps' used as the object.

2

The shrimps are pink.

Les crevettes sont roses.

Subject-verb agreement with plural 'shrimps'.

3

There are five shrimps on my plate.

Il y a cinq crevettes dans mon assiette.

Using 'shrimps' as a count noun.

4

Do you like shrimps?

Aimes-tu les crevettes ?

Question form with plural object.

5

Shrimps live in the sea.

Les crevettes vivent dans la mer.

General statement about a group.

6

My mom cooks shrimps for dinner.

Ma mère cuisine des crevettes pour le dîner.

Present simple tense with plural object.

7

The shrimps are very small.

Les crevettes sont très petites.

Adjective 'small' modifying the plural subject.

8

We saw shrimps at the aquarium.

Nous avons vu des crevettes à l'aquarium.

Past simple tense with plural object.

1

I bought some frozen shrimps at the store.

J'ai acheté des crevettes surgelées au magasin.

Compound noun 'frozen shrimps'.

2

She is peeling the shrimps for the salad.

Elle épluche les crevettes pour la salade.

Present continuous tense.

3

Grilled shrimps are my favorite food.

Les crevettes grillées sont mon plat préféré.

Adjective 'grilled' modifying the subject.

4

How much do these shrimps cost?

Combien coûtent ces crevettes ?

Question about price with plural demonstrative 'these'.

5

The shrimps in this soup are delicious.

Les crevettes dans cette soupe sont délicieuses.

Prepositional phrase 'in this soup' modifying the subject.

6

You need to wash the shrimps before you cook them.

Tu dois laver les crevettes avant de les cuire.

Modal verb 'need to' followed by an action.

7

There are many different kinds of shrimps.

Il existe de nombreuses sortes de crevettes.

Phrase 'kinds of' used with plural 'shrimps'.

8

He doesn't eat shrimps because he has an allergy.

Il ne mange pas de crevettes car il a une allergie.

Negative sentence with a reason.

1

The recipe suggests marinating the shrimps in lemon and garlic.

La recette suggère de faire mariner les crevettes dans du citron et de l'ail.

Gerund 'marinating' taking 'shrimps' as an object.

2

We watched the small shrimps swimming among the rocks.

Nous avons regardé les petites crevettes nager parmi les rochers.

Participle phrase 'swimming among the rocks'.

3

Are these shrimps fresh or have they been frozen?

Ces crevettes sont-elles fraîches ou ont-elles été congelées ?

Passive voice 'have they been frozen'.

4

The chef carefully removed the veins from the shrimps.

Le chef a soigneusement retiré les veines des crevettes.

Adverb 'carefully' modifying the verb.

5

Shrimps are an important part of the local economy here.

Les crevettes sont une partie importante de l'économie locale ici.

Subject in a complex sentence about economy.

6

I prefer wild-caught shrimps over the farm-raised ones.

Je préfère les crevettes sauvages aux crevettes d'élevage.

Comparison using 'prefer... over'.

7

The platter was decorated with large, succulent shrimps.

Le plateau était décoré de grosses crevettes succulentes.

Passive voice with descriptive adjectives.

8

If you overcook the shrimps, they will become tough.

Si vous faites trop cuire les crevettes, elles deviendront dures.

First conditional sentence.

1

The environmental impact of intensive shrimp farming is a major concern.

L'impact environnemental de l'élevage intensif de crevettes est une préoccupation majeure.

Compound noun used as a subject.

2

Several species of shrimps are known to have symbiotic relationships with fish.

Plusieurs espèces de crevettes sont connues pour avoir des relations symbiotiques avec les poissons.

Passive voice with 'are known to'.

3

The biologist is studying how these shrimps adapt to high-pressure environments.

Le biologiste étudie comment ces crevettes s'adaptent aux environnements à haute pression.

Indirect question as an object clause.

4

Exporting processed shrimps has become a lucrative business for the region.

L'exportation de crevettes transformées est devenue une activité lucrative pour la région.

Gerund phrase as the subject.

5

The shrimps' shells are rich in chitin, which has various industrial uses.

Les carapaces des crevettes sont riches en chitine, qui a diverses utilisations industrielles.

Possessive plural 'shrimps''.

6

Despite their small size, these shrimps can travel long distances during migration.

Malgré leur petite taille, ces crevettes peuvent parcourir de longues distances lors de la migration.

Concessive phrase starting with 'Despite'.

7

The restaurant prides itself on serving only sustainably sourced shrimps.

Le restaurant est fier de ne servir que des crevettes issues de sources durables.

Adverbial phrase 'sustainably sourced'.

8

The population of native shrimps has been threatened by invasive species.

La population de crevettes indigènes a été menacée par des espèces envahissantes.

Present perfect passive.

1

The intricate mating rituals of certain tropical shrimps are a marvel of evolutionary biology.

Les rituels d'accouplement complexes de certaines crevettes tropicales sont une merveille de la biologie évolutive.

Complex subject with multiple modifiers.

2

By analyzing the isotopes in the shrimps' tissues, researchers can trace their origin.

En analysant les isotopes dans les tissus des crevettes, les chercheurs peuvent retracer leur origine.

Prepositional gerund phrase for method.

3

The market for premium shrimps remains resilient despite fluctuations in global trade.

Le marché des crevettes de qualité supérieure reste résilient malgré les fluctuations du commerce mondial.

Subject-verb-adjective structure with a concessive clause.

4

These deep-sea shrimps possess bioluminescent organs that help them lure prey.

Ces crevettes des profondeurs possèdent des organes bioluminescents qui les aident à attirer leurs proies.

Relative clause 'that help them lure prey'.

5

The culinary distinction between various shrimps and prawns is often ignored by laypeople.

La distinction culinaire entre diverses crevettes et bouquets est souvent ignorée par les profanes.

Passive voice with an agent 'by laypeople'.

6

Legislative measures have been implemented to protect the breeding grounds of coastal shrimps.

Des mesures législatives ont été mises en œuvre pour protéger les zones de reproduction des crevettes côtières.

Present perfect passive with an infinitive of purpose.

7

The chef's signature dish features a delicate balance of citrus and fermented shrimps.

Le plat signature du chef présente un équilibre délicat entre les agrumes et les crevettes fermentées.

Noun phrase with multiple adjectives.

8

Observations suggest that these shrimps exhibit complex social behaviors within their colonies.

Les observations suggèrent que ces crevettes présentent des comportements sociaux complexes au sein de leurs colonies.

Noun clause starting with 'that'.

1

The taxonomic classification of these shrimps has undergone significant revision in recent years.

La classification taxonomique de ces crevettes a subi une révision significative ces dernières années.

Present perfect tense with a complex subject.

2

One cannot overstate the ecological importance of shrimps as a primary consumer in marine food webs.

On ne saurait trop insister sur l'importance écologique des crevettes en tant que consommateur primaire dans les réseaux trophiques marins.

Formal 'one' with a modal verb for emphasis.

3

The artisanal fishing of these shrimps is a tradition passed down through generations of coastal dwellers.

La pêche artisanale de ces crevettes est une tradition transmise de génération en génération par les habitants des côtes.

Appositive phrase describing the subject.

4

Advancements in aquaculture have mitigated some of the negative externalities associated with harvesting wild shrimps.

Les progrès de l'aquaculture ont atténué certaines des externalités négatives associées à la récolte de crevettes sauvages.

Present perfect with economic terminology.

5

The physiological response of shrimps to varying salinity levels is a subject of ongoing academic inquiry.

La réponse physiologique des crevettes aux niveaux de salinité variables est un sujet d'enquête académique en cours.

Complex noun phrase as a subject.

6

In the labyrinthine mangroves, these shrimps find sanctuary from the predations of larger teleosts.

Dans les mangroves labyrinthiques, ces crevettes trouvent refuge contre les prédations des grands téléostéens.

Inverted sentence structure for literary effect.

7

The subtle umami of dried shrimps provides an indispensable depth of flavor to many Southeast Asian broths.

L'umami subtil des crevettes séchées apporte une profondeur de saveur indispensable à de nombreux bouillons d'Asie du Sud-Est.

Subject with multiple modifiers and a direct object.

8

The morphological diversity among the shrimps of the Indo-Pacific region is truly staggering.

La diversité morphologique parmi les crevettes de la région indo-pacifique est vraiment stupéfiante.

Subject-verb-adjective with a prepositional phrase.

Häufige Kollokationen

fresh shrimps
grilled shrimps
shrimp farming
wild-caught shrimps
peel the shrimps
jumbo shrimps
shrimp cocktail
dried shrimps
devein the shrimps
shrimp paste

Häufige Phrasen

potted shrimps

shrimps and grits

shrimp scampi

tempura shrimps

shrimp boat

shrimp net

shrimp salad

shrimp boil

shrimp stir-fry

shrimp toast

Wird oft verwechselt mit

shrimps vs prawns

Biologically different but often used as synonyms in cooking.

shrimps vs krill

Much smaller and usually not eaten directly by humans.

shrimps vs crayfish

Freshwater crustaceans that look like tiny lobsters.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"put another shrimp on the barbie"

An Australian-associated phrase meaning to prepare more food for a guest.

Come over this afternoon and we'll put another shrimp on the barbie.

informal/cliché

"shrimp of a man"

A disparaging way to describe a man who is very small or weak.

He was a mere shrimp of a man compared to the giant bouncer.

informal/offensive

"as small as a shrimp"

A simile used to emphasize how tiny something or someone is.

The newborn kitten was as small as a shrimp.

neutral

"shrimp-sized"

An adjective describing something that is very small.

The apartment had a shrimp-sized kitchen that barely fit a stove.

informal

"to be a shrimp"

To be physically small or insignificant.

He was always a shrimp in high school, but he grew six inches in college.

informal

"shrimp-brained"

A rare insult implying someone is unintelligent or has a small brain.

That was a shrimp-brained idea if I ever heard one.

slang

"like a shrimp in a whale's mouth"

To be in a position where you are completely overwhelmed or insignificant.

The small startup felt like a shrimp in a whale's mouth among the tech giants.

literary

"shrimp-colored"

Describing a specific shade of pinkish-orange.

The sunset turned the clouds a beautiful shrimp-colored hue.

neutral

"shrimp-fest"

An event or meal where an abundance of shrimp is served.

The annual seafood festival was a total shrimp-fest.

informal

"shrimp-run"

A period when shrimps are migrating and easily caught in large numbers.

The local fishermen are preparing for the annual shrimp-run.

technical/regional

Leicht verwechselbar

shrimps vs shrimp

It is the singular and also a collective plural.

Use 'shrimp' for the general food category and 'shrimps' for individual units or species.

I love shrimp (food), but I saw three shrimps (animals) in the tank.

shrimps vs prawn

They look almost identical to the untrained eye.

Prawns are generally larger and have a different gill structure.

These prawns are huge compared to those little shrimps.

shrimps vs scampi

Often used to describe a way of cooking shrimps.

Scampi is actually a specific type of small lobster (langoustine).

We ordered the shrimp scampi, which was delicious.

shrimps vs krill

Both are small, swimming crustaceans.

Krill are smaller, transparent, and belong to a different biological order.

Whales eat krill, not usually the shrimps we find in the market.

shrimps vs crawfish

Related crustaceans often found in similar dishes.

Crawfish live in freshwater and have much larger claws.

A Louisiana boil often has both crawfish and shrimps.

Satzmuster

A1

I like [noun].

I like shrimps.

A2

There are [number] [noun] on the [place].

There are six shrimps on the plate.

B1

The [noun] were [past participle] with [ingredient].

The shrimps were cooked with garlic.

B2

The [noun] are known for [gerund].

The shrimps are known for swimming fast.

C1

Despite [noun phrase], the [noun] [verb].

Despite the cold water, the shrimps thrived.

C2

The [adjective] [noun] serves as a [noun phrase].

The humble shrimps serve as a cornerstone of the marine ecosystem.

B1

If you [verb] the [noun], they will [verb].

If you grill the shrimps, they will turn pink.

B2

It is essential to [verb] the [noun] before [gerund].

It is essential to clean the shrimps before cooking.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very common in culinary and marine contexts.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'shrimpes' as the plural. shrimps

    The plural of 'shrimp' is simply 'shrimps' or 'shrimp'. There is no 'e' before the 's'.

  • Thinking 'shrimps' and 'prawns' are exactly the same. shrimps / prawns

    While they are similar, they are biologically distinct animals with different anatomy.

  • Overcooking the shrimps until they are rubbery. Cook until just pink and opaque.

    Shrimps become tough and lose their flavor if they are left on the heat for too long.

  • Using 'shrimp' as an insult in a professional setting. Avoid using it as a derogatory term.

    Calling someone a 'shrimp' is informal and can be offensive as it mocks their size.

  • Forgetting to devein the shrimps in a formal dish. Remove the dark line from the back.

    Leaving the digestive tract in can be seen as a sign of poor preparation in high-end cooking.

Tipps

Don't Overcook

Shrimps cook very quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes. They are done when they turn opaque and form a 'C' shape. If they curl into an 'O', they are overcooked.

Check the Origin

Look for labels that indicate if the shrimps were wild-caught or farm-raised, as this can affect the taste and the environmental impact.

Easy Peeling

To peel shrimps easily, use kitchen shears to snip through the shell along the back, which also makes deveining much simpler.

Keep Them Cold

Shrimps spoil quickly. Keep them on ice in the refrigerator and use them within 24 hours of purchase for the best quality.

Acid is Key

A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice right before serving helps to brighten the sweet flavor of the shrimps.

Allergy Awareness

Shrimp is one of the most common food allergens. Always check with guests before serving a dish that contains shrimps.

Look for Certifications

Choose shrimps with certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) to ensure they are sustainably sourced.

High Heat

Sauté or grill shrimps over high heat to get a nice sear on the outside without overcooking the delicate meat inside.

Tail On or Off?

Leaving the tails on makes shrimps look more attractive and provides a 'handle' for finger foods, but removing them makes them easier to eat in pasta or soup.

Plural Nuance

Use 'shrimps' when you want to sound more precise about the number of individual items you are referring to.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Shrimp' that 'Shrank' because it was 'Small.' The 'S' and 'R' in 'Shrimp' are like the 'S' and 'R' in 'Shrink.'

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a tiny pink animal with ten legs curled up in a circle, like a letter 'C' for crustacean.

Word Web

Seafood Ocean Pink Shell Cooking Fishing Prawn Crustacean

Herausforderung

Try to use the word 'shrimps' in three different sentences today: one about food, one about nature, and one about size.

Wortherkunft

The word 'shrimp' comes from the Middle English 'shrimpe,' which is likely related to the Middle Low German 'schrimpen,' meaning 'to shrink' or 'to wrinkle.' This refers to the way the animal's body is often curved or curled. It shares a common root with the word 'scrimp.'

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally, the term referred to something small or puny, which was then applied to the small crustacean.

Germanic

Kultureller Kontext

Avoid using 'shrimp' to describe a person's physical stature, as it is considered a derogatory and insulting term.

In the US, 'shrimp' is the common term, while in the UK, 'prawn' is more frequent for larger sizes.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (from the movie Forrest Gump) The 'Shrimp on the Barbie' commercial with Paul Hogan The Muppets' character 'Pepe the King Prawn' (who is often mistaken for a shrimp)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At a Restaurant

  • I'll have the shrimps.
  • How are the shrimps prepared?
  • Are the shrimps fresh?
  • Does this dish contain shrimps?

Cooking at Home

  • Peel the shrimps first.
  • Don't overcook the shrimps.
  • Marinate the shrimps in garlic.
  • Add the shrimps to the pan.

Marine Biology Class

  • Shrimps are decapods.
  • The shrimps live in the reef.
  • Observe the shrimps' behavior.
  • Classify these different shrimps.

Seafood Market

  • A pound of shrimps, please.
  • Are these wild shrimps?
  • What's the price of the shrimps?
  • Give me the largest shrimps.

Environmental Discussion

  • Protecting shrimp habitats.
  • The impact of shrimp farming.
  • Sustainable shrimp fishing.
  • Shrimps as bioindicators.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Do you prefer your shrimps grilled or fried?"

"Have you ever tried peeling fresh shrimps yourself?"

"What is the most delicious shrimp dish you have ever eaten?"

"Do you think there is a big difference between shrimps and prawns?"

"Are you a fan of shrimp cocktail as an appetizer?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a memorable meal you had that included shrimps.

Write about why you think shrimps are such a popular food worldwide.

If you were a marine biologist, what would you want to study about shrimps?

Imagine you are a shrimp living in a coral reef. Describe your day.

Discuss the pros and cons of farm-raised vs. wild-caught shrimps.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Both are correct. 'Shrimp' is often used as a collective plural (like 'fish'), while 'shrimps' is used for individual counts or different species. For example, 'I ate a lot of shrimp' vs 'There are five shrimps in the bowl.'

Biologically, they belong to different suborders. Shrimps have branching gills and a specific shell overlap, while prawns have lamellar gills. In cooking, 'prawn' often just means a large shrimp.

Shrimps contain a pigment called astaxanthin, which is hidden by proteins when they are alive. Heat destroys these proteins, allowing the bright pink/orange color to show.

It is not strictly necessary for safety, but the 'vein' is actually the digestive tract and can contain grit or a bitter taste, so most chefs prefer to remove it for better texture and flavor.

Yes, while many species are marine (saltwater), there are several varieties of freshwater shrimps found in rivers and lakes around the world.

Yes, shrimps are low in calories and high in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. However, they are also relatively high in cholesterol, though they are low in saturated fat.

Fresh shrimps should smell like the ocean, not like ammonia. Their shells should be firm and glossy, and their eyes should be bright and black.

It is a traditional British dish where small, peeled shrimps are cooked in nutmeg-spiced butter and then chilled in a small pot until the butter sets.

Yes, the shells are edible and can be very crunchy and flavorful when fried, though many people prefer to remove them because they can be tough.

Shrimps are mostly scavengers and omnivores. They eat algae, plankton, and tiny pieces of decaying plant and animal matter on the ocean floor.

Teste dich selbst 192 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence describing how to cook shrimps.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Explain the difference between wild-caught and farm-raised shrimps.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Describe a seafood dish that uses shrimps as a main ingredient.

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writing

Write a short story about a shrimp living in a coral reef.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Discuss the environmental impact of the shrimp industry.

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writing

Compare and contrast shrimps and prawns.

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writing

Write a restaurant review for a place that serves excellent shrimps.

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writing

Explain why some people are allergic to shrimps.

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writing

Describe the process of peeling and deveining a shrimp.

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writing

Write an advertisement for a local seafood market selling fresh shrimps.

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writing

Discuss the cultural importance of shrimps in a specific country.

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writing

Write a dialogue between a customer and a fishmonger about shrimps.

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writing

Explain the biological classification of shrimps.

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writing

Write a recipe for shrimp scampi.

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writing

Discuss the role of shrimps in the marine food web.

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writing

Write a formal letter complaining about the quality of shrimps received from a supplier.

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writing

Describe the appearance of a live shrimp.

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writing

Write a poem about the ocean that mentions shrimps.

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writing

Explain how climate change might affect shrimp populations.

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writing

Write a summary of the history of the shrimp trade.

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speaking

Describe your favorite way to eat shrimps.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain to a friend why they should try a specific shrimp dish.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the pros and cons of eating seafood like shrimps.

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speaking

Role-play a scene where you are ordering shrimps at a restaurant.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Give a short presentation on the life cycle of a shrimp.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Debate the ethics of industrial shrimp farming.

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speaking

Describe the last time you ate shrimps. Where were you and who were you with?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain the process of cooking shrimps to someone who has never done it.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about the importance of shrimps in your local culture or cuisine.

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speaking

Describe the appearance and texture of a cooked shrimp.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the differences between buying fresh vs. frozen shrimps.

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speaking

Explain how to tell if shrimps are no longer fresh.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell a story about a time you went fishing or saw shrimps in the wild.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the impact of pollution on marine life like shrimps.

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speaking

Role-play a conversation between a chef and a kitchen assistant about preparing shrimps.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain the meaning of the phrase 'put another shrimp on the barbie'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Describe a variety of shrimp you have seen in an aquarium.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Discuss the role of shrimps as a sustainable food source.

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speaking

Talk about any allergies you or people you know have to shrimps.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain why shrimps are classified as decapods.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to a recipe and write down the quantity of shrimps needed.

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listening

Listen to a short talk about marine biology and identify the habitat of the shrimps mentioned.

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listening

Listen to a conversation at a fish market and write down the price per pound of the shrimps.

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listening

Listen to a documentary clip and explain how the shrimps protect themselves.

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listening

Listen to a chef's tips and identify the most important rule for cooking shrimps.

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listening

Listen to a news report about a shrimp boat and identify the location of the incident.

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listening

Listen to a series of sentences and identify which ones use 'shrimps' correctly.

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listening

Listen to a description of different shrimp species and match them to their characteristics.

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listening

Listen to an interview with a shrimp farmer and list two challenges they face.

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listening

Listen to a children's song about shrimps and identify the rhyming words.

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listening

Listen to a podcast about sustainable eating and summarize the advice regarding shrimps.

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listening

Listen to a restaurant order and identify if the customer wants the shrimps grilled or fried.

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listening

Listen to a lecture on aquatic ecosystems and explain the role of shrimps.

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listening

Listen to a weather report and identify how it might affect the shrimping season.

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listening

Listen to a dialogue about a shrimp allergy and identify the symptoms described.

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/ 192 correct

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