die Ente 30秒で

  • Die Ente is German for duck (the bird) and also for roast duck (the food).
  • It's a feminine noun: 'die Ente'. Plural is 'die Enten'.
  • Commonly seen in nature and on menus. Remember the gender!

The German word 'die Ente' is a noun that refers to a waterfowl, most commonly known in English as a duck. This is a familiar animal found in ponds, lakes, and rivers worldwide. Beyond its natural habitat, 'die Ente' also carries significant culinary importance. It is frequently prepared and served as poultry, making it a popular dish in many cuisines, particularly in European cooking. When you hear this word, it can evoke images of serene nature scenes with ducks swimming, or it can bring to mind the delicious aroma of a roasted duck served at a special meal. Understanding the dual nature of this word – its connection to both nature and food – is key to using it correctly and appreciating its place in the German language and culture.

Natural Habitat
In its natural environment, 'die Ente' is a common sight. You might see them in parks, by the water's edge, or even waddling across a path. They are often associated with the sounds of quacking and the gentle ripple of water as they swim. This aspect of the word is very accessible and understandable for learners at all levels.
Culinary Use
As a food item, 'die Ente' is considered a delicacy. Roasted duck is a traditional dish, especially around holidays like Christmas in Germany. It's often served with side dishes like red cabbage ('Rotkohl') and potato dumplings ('Knödel'). The preparation and enjoyment of 'die Ente' as a meal are deeply embedded in German culinary traditions. This usage is more specific and might be encountered in discussions about food, recipes, or dining out.

In the park, we saw a flock of Enten swimming peacefully in the lake.

For Sunday dinner, my grandmother prepared a delicious roasted Ente.

The plural form of 'die Ente' is 'die Enten'. This is important to remember when you are talking about more than one duck. The word itself is quite common and appears in various contexts, from children's stories and nature documentaries to menus and discussions about traditional German cuisine. Its straightforward meaning makes it an excellent word for learners to incorporate into their vocabulary early on. Pay attention to the articles ('der', 'die', 'das') and the endings of nouns in German, as this will help you understand and use 'die Ente' correctly in different grammatical situations.

Mastering the usage of 'die Ente' involves understanding its grammatical properties and its common contexts. As a feminine noun, it always takes the definite article 'die' in the nominative singular. The plural form is 'die Enten'. You will encounter 'die Ente' in a wide range of sentence structures, reflecting its dual meaning as both an animal and a food source. Let's explore various ways to integrate this word into your German sentences.

Describing the Animal
When you want to talk about the bird itself, you'll use 'die Ente' in sentences describing its actions, appearance, or location. For example, you might observe its behavior in its natural habitat or mention its presence in a park.

Die Ente schwimmt auf dem Teich.

The duck swims on the pond.

Wir sahen viele Enten im Zoo.

We saw many ducks in the zoo.

Referring to Food
In a culinary context, 'die Ente' refers to the duck as a dish. This is common when discussing meals, recipes, or ordering food in a restaurant. The context usually clarifies that it's about the food, not the live animal.

Zum Abendessen gibt es heute gebratene Ente.

For dinner today, there is roast duck.

Ich mag die Ente mit Rotkohl sehr gern.

I really like the duck with red cabbage.

Using Different Cases
Like all German nouns, 'die Ente' changes its form depending on its grammatical case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive). This is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences.

Der Jäger schoss die Ente.

The hunter shot the duck. (Accusative)

Ich gebe der Ente Brot.

I give the duck bread. (Dative)

When discussing the origin of the meat, you might hear phrases like 'Das Fleisch der Ente ist sehr zart.' (The meat of the duck is very tender.) Here, 'Ente' is in the genitive case.

You will encounter the word 'die Ente' in a variety of everyday situations and specialized contexts in German-speaking countries. Its commonality ensures that you'll hear it frequently as you immerse yourself in the language.

Nature and Outdoors
In parks, by lakes, rivers, and ponds, you'll hear people talking about the ducks they see. Children often point them out, and nature enthusiasts might discuss their behavior. 'Schau mal, eine Ente!', meaning 'Look, a duck!', is a common exclamation.

Die Kinder fütterten die Enten im Park.

The children fed the ducks in the park.

Restaurants and Food
This is perhaps one of the most frequent contexts for hearing 'die Ente' as a food item. Menus will prominently feature dishes like 'Gegrillte Ente' (Grilled Duck) or 'Entenbraten' (Roast Duck). Conversations at the table often revolve around ordering or enjoying this dish.

Wir bestellen die Spezialität des Hauses: die gefüllte Ente.

We are ordering the house specialty: the stuffed duck.

Cookery Shows and Recipes
When watching German cooking shows or reading recipe books, you'll often come across instructions for preparing duck. 'Die Ente im Ofen backen' (Bake the duck in the oven) is a typical phrase.

Im Kochkurs lernten wir, wie man eine Ente richtig zubereitet.

In the cooking class, we learned how to prepare a duck properly.

Children's Stories and Media
Ducks are common characters in children's literature and animated films. You might hear stories about 'Donald Duck' (often referred to simply as 'Donald' or sometimes 'die Ente Donald') or tales featuring farm animals where 'die Ente' plays a role.

Die Geschichte handelt von einer kleinen Ente, die das Schwimmen lernt.

The story is about a little duck learning to swim.

You might also hear 'die Ente' in more figurative language, though this is less common and usually context-dependent. However, the primary contexts remain the natural world and the culinary one.

While 'die Ente' is a relatively straightforward word, learners can still make common mistakes, particularly regarding its gender, pluralization, and the distinction between the animal and the food. Being aware of these potential pitfalls can significantly improve your accuracy.

Incorrect Gender Assignment
The most frequent error for beginners is assigning the wrong gender to the noun. German nouns have grammatical genders (masculine, feminine, neuter), and these must be learned along with the noun itself. 'Die Ente' is feminine, so using 'der Ente' or 'das Ente' is incorrect. Always remember: die Ente.

Incorrect: Der Ente ist im Wasser.

Correct: Die Ente ist im Wasser.

Pluralization Errors
Forgetting to change the noun to its plural form when referring to more than one duck is another common mistake. The plural of 'die Ente' is 'die Enten'. This applies whether you are talking about live ducks or portions of duck meat if you are referring to multiple servings.

Incorrect: Wir sahen fünf Ente.

Correct: Wir sahen fünf Enten.

Confusion Between Animal and Food
While the word is the same for both the animal and the food, the context is usually clear. However, sometimes learners might use it awkwardly. For example, saying 'Ich esse die Ente' when you mean 'I am eating duck meat' is grammatically correct but could sound a bit stark. More common phrasing might be 'Ich esse Ente' or 'Ich esse Entenfleisch'. The latter is more specific if you want to emphasize that it's the meat.

Awkward: Ich sehe die Ente im Restaurant.

More natural: Ich esse Ente im Restaurant. (referring to the dish)

Incorrect Case Usage
As with all German nouns, incorrect case endings are a frequent source of errors. This includes misapplying accusative, dative, or genitive forms. For instance, using the nominative 'die Ente' when the dative 'der Ente' is required after a preposition like 'mit' (with).

Incorrect: Ich spreche mit die Ente.

Correct: Ich spreche mit der Ente.

Paying close attention to these details will help you use 'die Ente' more naturally and accurately in your German conversations and writing.

While 'die Ente' is the standard word for duck, there are related terms and alternatives in German that might be used in specific contexts or offer nuances. Understanding these can enrich your vocabulary and provide more precise ways to express yourself.

'Die Ente' vs. 'Der Erpel'
'Die Ente' generally refers to a duck, often the female or the species in general. 'Der Erpel' specifically refers to a male duck. You would use 'der Erpel' when you need to be precise about the sex of the bird. However, in everyday conversation, 'die Ente' is often used for both, especially when the distinction is not important.

Die Ente brütet auf ihren Eiern.

The (female) duck is brooding on her eggs.

Der Erpel hat ein schillerndes Kopfgefieder.

The drake (male duck) has iridescent head plumage.

'Die Ente' (food) vs. 'Entenfleisch'
While 'die Ente' is commonly used to refer to the dish of duck meat, 'Entenfleisch' is a more specific term meaning 'duck meat'. You might see 'Entenfleisch' on a butcher's counter or in a very precise recipe. However, in restaurant menus and general conversation about meals, 'die Ente' is more prevalent and understood to mean the prepared dish.

Ich bestelle die gebratene Ente.

I am ordering the roast duck (dish).

Das Entenfleisch war sehr saftig.

The duck meat was very juicy.

Other Waterfowl
German has specific words for other waterfowl that are sometimes confused with ducks. For instance, 'der Schwan' is a swan, and 'die Gans' is a goose. While they are all water birds, they are distinct species with different culinary uses and appearances. It's important not to confuse 'die Ente' with these related terms.

Ein majestätischer Schwan glitt über das Wasser.

A majestic swan glided over the water.

Zu Weihnachten gibt es oft Gans.

For Christmas, there is often goose.

Figurative Language
In some idiomatic expressions, 'Ente' can appear, but these are less common than the literal meanings. For example, 'eine Ente' can sometimes refer to a false rumor or a hoax, similar to the English 'a wild goose chase' or 'a hoax'. However, this figurative use is not as prevalent as the literal meaning of the bird or the food.

Die Nachricht über den angeblichen Skandal war nur eine Ente.

The news about the alleged scandal was just a hoax/rumor.

By distinguishing between 'die Ente', 'der Erpel', 'Entenfleisch', 'die Gans', and 'der Schwan', you can communicate more precisely and avoid misunderstandings.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"Die Erhaltung der Population der Ente erfordert wissenschaftliche Intervention."

ニュートラル

"Wir haben im Restaurant eine Ente bestellt."

カジュアル

"Mann, die Ente war lecker!"

Child friendly

"Schau mal, die Ente schwimmt!"

スラング

"Der hat echt 'ne Ente aufgerissen."

豆知識

While English 'duck' is commonly used, the German 'Ente' is cognate with Old Norse 'ond' and Gothic 'unds'. The similarity to English 'duck' is more superficial, as English 'duck' likely comes from a different root, possibly related to the verb 'to duck' (to lower the head). The German 'Ente' shares a deeper root with words like 'ente' in Dutch and historically, the root might be related to the concept of 'water' or 'swimming'.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈɛntə/
US /ˈɛntə/
First syllable: EN-te
韻が合う語
rente kante kante wante kante kante kante kante
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'e' at the end as a clear 'eh' sound instead of a schwa.
  • Misplacing stress on the second syllable.
  • Pronouncing the 't' too strongly as if it were 'tt'.

難易度

読解 3/5

The word 'die Ente' itself is B1 level. However, understanding its dual meaning (animal vs. food) and grammatical nuances like case endings can make reading comprehension slightly more challenging for beginners. Texts discussing culinary aspects or nature will be easier than those with idiomatic uses.

ライティング 3/5

Accurate use requires knowledge of gender, plural, and case declensions. Distinguishing between the animal and food context in writing can also be tricky. Writing simple sentences is straightforward, but complex sentences require more practice.

スピーキング 3/5

Pronunciation is relatively simple. The main challenge lies in recalling the correct gender and using it appropriately in spoken sentences, especially when referring to the food. Spontaneous use in varied contexts requires practice.

リスニング 2/5

The pronunciation is clear and often repeated in common phrases. The context usually makes it easy to understand whether the animal or the food is being discussed. Idiomatic uses might be harder to catch without prior knowledge.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

das Tier (animal) der Vogel (bird) das Wasser (water) essen (to eat) kochen (to cook) sehen (to see) schön (beautiful) jung (young)

次に学ぶ

der Gänsebraten (roast goose) das Huhn (chicken) der Fisch (fish) das Restaurant (restaurant) die Speisekarte (menu) der Koch (cook) das Geflügel (poultry)

上級

Wasservogel (waterfowl) Wildbret (game meat) kulinarisch (culinary) Gastronomie (gastronomy) Ökosystem (ecosystem) Biodiversität (biodiversity) Jagd (hunting)

知っておくべき文法

Feminine Noun Gender

All feminine nouns in German take the article 'die' in the nominative singular. For 'Ente', it's 'die Ente'.

Noun Pluralization

Many feminine nouns form their plural by adding '-n' or '-en'. For 'Ente', the plural is 'Enten'.

Accusative Case

When 'die Ente' is the direct object of a verb, it remains 'die Ente' in the accusative singular. Example: Ich sehe die Ente.

Dative Case

After certain prepositions (like 'mit', 'zu') or verbs, feminine nouns take the dative article 'der'. Example: Ich gebe der Ente Futter.

Genitive Case

The genitive case indicates possession. For feminine nouns, it uses the article 'der'. Example: Das Gefieder der Ente ist schön.

レベル別の例文

1

Das ist eine Ente.

This is a duck.

Singular, nominative case.

2

Die Ente schwimmt.

The duck swims.

Singular, nominative case, present tense verb.

3

Ich sehe eine Ente.

I see a duck.

Singular, accusative case.

4

Viele Enten sind hier.

Many ducks are here.

Plural, nominative case.

5

Das Brot ist für die Ente.

The bread is for the duck.

Singular, dative case.

6

Eine Ente im Teich.

A duck in the pond.

Singular, nominative case (implied verb).

7

Die Ente quakt.

The duck quacks.

Singular, nominative case, present tense verb.

8

Das ist Entenfleisch.

This is duck meat.

Uncountable noun, used as a descriptor.

1

Die Ente fliegt über den See.

The duck flies over the lake.

Singular, nominative and accusative cases.

2

Wir haben im Restaurant Ente gegessen.

We ate duck at the restaurant.

Referring to the food, context is key.

3

Der Bauer hat viele Enten auf seinem Hof.

The farmer has many ducks on his farm.

Plural, nominative case.

4

Kannst du der Ente etwas Futter geben?

Can you give the duck some food?

Singular, dative case.

5

Die Ente hat ein schönes Federkleid.

The duck has beautiful plumage.

Singular, nominative case.

6

Ich mag gebratene Ente mit Klößen.

I like roast duck with dumplings.

Referring to the food.

7

Die Ente tauchte nach Fischen.

The duck dived for fish.

Singular, nominative case.

8

Es gibt Enten in fast jedem Teich.

There are ducks in almost every pond.

Plural, nominative case.

1

Die Wildente ist eine beliebte Jagdbeute.

The wild duck is a popular game animal.

Singular, nominative case, adjective declension.

2

Im traditionellen Weihnachtsmenü darf die gebratene Ente nicht fehlen.

Roast duck must not be missing from the traditional Christmas menu.

Referring to the food, genitive case implied.

3

Die Küken der Ente folgten ihrer Mutter.

The ducklings followed their mother.

Genitive case for possession.

4

Manche Leute finden den Geruch von Entenfleisch unangenehm.

Some people find the smell of duck meat unpleasant.

Compound noun 'Entenfleisch'.

5

Die Ente hat ihr Nest gut versteckt.

The duck has hidden her nest well.

Singular, nominative case.

6

Auf dem Markt wurde frisch geschlachtete Ente verkauft.

Freshly slaughtered duck was sold at the market.

Passive voice, referring to the food.

7

Die Erhaltung der natürlichen Lebensräume ist wichtig für die Ente.

The preservation of natural habitats is important for the duck.

Singular, dative case.

8

Die Ente ist ein Symbol für Fruchtbarkeit in einigen Kulturen.

The duck is a symbol of fertility in some cultures.

Singular, nominative case.

1

Die zunehmende Umweltverschmutzung bedroht die Population der Wasservögel, einschließlich der Ente.

Increasing environmental pollution threatens the population of waterfowl, including the duck.

Singular, nominative case, complex sentence structure.

2

Die Zubereitung einer perfekten Entenbrust erfordert Geduld und präzise Kochkenntnisse.

The preparation of a perfect duck breast requires patience and precise cooking skills.

Compound noun 'Entenbrust'.

3

In der Fabel war die Ente oft das Opfer von List und Tücke.

In the fable, the duck was often the victim of cunning and trickery.

Singular, nominative case.

4

Die kulinarische Vielfalt Deutschlands zeigt sich auch in der Zubereitung von Entengerichten.

The culinary diversity of Germany is also evident in the preparation of duck dishes.

Plural, genitive case implied.

5

Die Migrationsrouten der Ente sind komplex und werden von Klimaveränderungen beeinflusst.

The migration routes of the duck are complex and are influenced by climate change.

Singular, nominative case.

6

Manche Gourmets bevorzugen das dunklere Fleisch der Ente gegenüber dem helleren Fleisch von Huhn oder Pute.

Some gourmets prefer the darker meat of the duck over the lighter meat of chicken or turkey.

Comparison, referring to meat.

7

Die Fähigkeit der Ente, sowohl im Wasser als auch an Land zu leben, macht sie zu einem faszinierenden Tier.

The duck's ability to live both in water and on land makes it a fascinating animal.

Singular, nominative case.

8

Die traditionelle 'Ente à l'orange' ist ein Klassiker der französischen Küche, der auch in Deutschland beliebt ist.

The traditional 'Duck à l'orange' is a classic of French cuisine that is also popular in Germany.

Specific dish name.

1

Die ökologischen Nischen, die von der Ente besetzt werden, sind essentiell für das Gleichgewicht aquatischer Ökosysteme.

The ecological niches occupied by the duck are essential for the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

Singular, nominative case, specialized vocabulary.

2

Die Kunst, eine Ente perfekt zu braten, wird oft über Generationen weitergegeben und ist ein Zeichen kulinarischer Meisterschaft.

The art of roasting a duck perfectly is often passed down through generations and is a sign of culinary mastery.

Singular, nominative case, abstract concepts.

3

Die anthropogenen Einflüsse auf die Brutgebiete der Ente haben zu signifikanten Populationsrückgängen geführt.

Anthropogenic influences on the duck's breeding grounds have led to significant population declines.

Singular, nominative case, scientific terminology.

4

Die sensorische Wahrnehmung von Entenfleisch, insbesondere die Textur und der Geschmack, ist Gegenstand intensiver gastronomischer Forschung.

The sensory perception of duck meat, particularly the texture and flavor, is the subject of intensive gastronomic research.

Compound noun 'Entenfleisch', abstract nouns.

5

Die evolutionäre Anpassungsfähigkeit der Ente an diverse Umweltbedingungen ist bemerkenswert.

The evolutionary adaptability of the duck to diverse environmental conditions is remarkable.

Singular, nominative case, scientific terminology.

6

Die Zubereitung der Ente nach traditionellen Rezepten birgt oft eine tiefe kulturelle und historische Bedeutung.

The preparation of duck according to traditional recipes often holds deep cultural and historical significance.

Singular, nominative case.

7

Die interspezifische Konkurrenz um Ressourcen beeinflusst die Überlebensrate der Ente in dicht besiedelten Gebieten.

Interspecific competition for resources influences the survival rate of the duck in densely populated areas.

Singular, nominative case, scientific terminology.

8

Die gastronomische Wertschätzung der Ente variiert stark je nach Region und kulturellem Hintergrund.

The gastronomic appreciation of duck varies greatly depending on the region and cultural background.

Singular, nominative case.

1

Die phylogenetische Analyse enthüllt die komplexen Verwandtschaftsverhältnisse innerhalb der Anseriformes, zu denen auch die Ente zählt.

Phylogenetic analysis reveals the complex kinship relationships within the Anseriformes, to which the duck also belongs.

Singular, nominative case, highly specialized scientific language.

2

Die kunstvolle Zubereitung der Ente, wie sie in der Haute Cuisine zelebriert wird, ist ein Ausdruck höchster kulinarischer Raffinesse.

The artistic preparation of the duck, as celebrated in haute cuisine, is an expression of the highest culinary sophistication.

Singular, nominative case, abstract and sophisticated vocabulary.

3

Die Degradation von Feuchtgebieten, die als Brut- und Rastplätze für die Ente dienen, stellt eine gravierende Bedrohung für die Biodiversität dar.

The degradation of wetlands, which serve as breeding and resting grounds for the duck, poses a serious threat to biodiversity.

Singular, nominative case, environmental science terminology.

4

Die olfaktorischen und gustatorischen Präferenzen für Entenfleisch sind tief in kulturellen Traditionen und individuellen Geschmacksprofilen verwurzelt.

Olfactory and gustatory preferences for duck meat are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and individual taste profiles.

Compound noun 'Entenfleisch', complex sensory terms.

5

Die Verhaltensökologie der Ente offenbart faszinierende Strategien zur Ressourcenallokation und Fortpflanzung unter variablen Umweltbedingungen.

The behavioral ecology of the duck reveals fascinating strategies for resource allocation and reproduction under variable environmental conditions.

Singular, nominative case, scientific terminology.

6

Die kulinarische Rezeption der Ente, von der rustikalen Bauernküche bis zur Sterneküche, spiegelt die Wandlungsfähigkeit dieses Produkts wider.

The culinary reception of duck, from rustic peasant cuisine to Michelin-starred restaurants, reflects the versatility of this product.

Singular, nominative case.

7

Die anthropozänen Einflüsse auf die aquatischen Habitate der Ente erfordern dringend innovative Schutzmaßnahmen.

Anthropocene influences on the duck's aquatic habitats urgently require innovative conservation measures.

Singular, nominative case, advanced scientific terminology.

8

Die gastronomische Tradition, die die Zubereitung der Ente umgibt, ist ein Spiegelbild regionaler Identitäten und historischer Einflüsse.

The gastronomic tradition surrounding the preparation of duck is a reflection of regional identities and historical influences.

Singular, nominative case.

よく使う組み合わせ

eine Ente füttern
Ente im Ofen braten
die Ente schwimmt
eine Ente sehen
gebratene Ente
Ente mit Rotkohl
die Ente taucht
eine Ente jagen
die Ente legen (Eier)
eine Ente zubereiten

よく使うフレーズ

Eine Ente im Teich

— Literally 'A duck in the pond'. This is a simple observational phrase, often used to describe a scene in nature.

Wir liefen am Teich entlang und sahen: eine Ente im Teich.

Die Ente macht Quak!

— The duck goes Quack! This is a very common phrase used when imitating the sound a duck makes, often by children or when talking about ducks in a simple way.

Wenn die Ente laut wird, sagt man: Die Ente macht Quak!

Gebratene Ente mit Klößen

— Roast duck with dumplings. This is a classic German dish, and the phrase is frequently heard on menus and when discussing traditional meals.

Im Gasthaus bestellten wir: gebratene Ente mit Klößen.

Enten füttern

— To feed ducks. This is a common activity in parks and by bodies of water where ducks are present.

Viele Leute gehen in den Park, um Enten zu füttern.

Das ist eine Ente!

— That is a duck! A straightforward identification of the animal.

Wenn ein Kind eine Ente am Wasser sieht, ruft es: Das ist eine Ente!

Ich möchte eine Ente bestellen.

— I would like to order a duck. Used in a restaurant setting when ordering the dish.

Im Restaurant sagte der Gast: Ich möchte eine Ente bestellen.

Die Ente ist ein Wasservogel.

— The duck is a waterfowl. A descriptive sentence often found in educational contexts.

Im Biologieunterricht lernten wir: Die Ente ist ein Wasservogel.

Leckere Ente!

— Delicious duck! An expression of enjoyment after eating the dish.

Nach dem Essen rief die Familie: Leckere Ente!

Eine Ente auf dem Bauernhof

— A duck on the farm. Describes the presence of ducks in an agricultural setting.

Auf dem Bauernhof gab es Hühner, Schweine und auch: eine Ente auf dem Bauernhof.

Die Ente schwimmt davon.

— The duck swims away. Describes the action of a duck moving away.

Als wir uns näherten, schwamm die Ente davon.

よく混同される語

die Ente vs Die Gans

Both are waterfowl and poultry, but 'die Gans' is goose, which is typically larger and often prepared for different occasions (e.g., Christmas). It's crucial to distinguish between duck and goose in both culinary and zoological contexts.

die Ente vs Der Schwan

A swan is also a large water bird, but swans are generally not eaten as food and are often protected. They are visually distinct from ducks.

die Ente vs Der Erpel

This is the male duck. While 'die Ente' can refer to the species or female, 'der Erpel' is specifically the drake. The distinction is important in ornithology but often overlooked in general conversation.

慣用句と表現

"Eine Ente aufreißen"

— To tell a tall tale, to exaggerate, or to spread a sensational but likely untrue story. It's similar to 'telling a fib' or 'making something up'.

Er erzählte eine wilde Geschichte über seine Reise, aber ich glaube, er reißt nur eine Ente auf.

Informal
"Eine Ente machen"

— To act foolishly or to make a silly mistake. It implies a lack of seriousness or competence.

Beim Kochen hat er etwas falsch gemacht und eine echte Ente gemacht.

Informal
"Eine Ente versenken"

— To fail spectacularly, to mess something up badly. Often used when something planned goes completely wrong.

Der Schauspieler vergaß seinen Text und versenkte die ganze Vorstellung. Er hat echt eine Ente versenkt.

Informal
"Sich wie eine fette Ente benehmen"

— To behave in a clumsy, awkward, or overly ostentatious manner. It suggests someone is drawing undue attention to themselves in an ungraceful way.

Auf der Party hat er sich wie eine fette Ente benommen und alle Blicke auf sich gezogen.

Informal
"Das ist doch keine Ente!"

— That's not a duck! This exclamation is used to express surprise or disbelief, implying that something is far more significant or impressive than a mere duck.

Als er das riesige Gemälde sah, rief er: 'Das ist doch keine Ente! Das ist ein Meisterwerk!'

Informal
"Eine Ente in den Raum stellen"

— To introduce a false rumor or misleading piece of information into a discussion, often to gauge reactions or to cause confusion.

Der Journalist stellte eine provokante Frage in den Raum, um zu sehen, wie die Politiker reagieren würden – er stellte quasi eine Ente in den Raum.

Informal
"Die Ente schnappt zu"

— Literally 'the duck snaps shut'. Metaphorically, it can mean an opportunity is missed or something is lost suddenly. It can also imply a sudden, decisive action.

Als das Angebot veröffentlicht wurde, war die Nachfrage riesig und die Ente schnappte sofort zu für die ersten Käufer.

Informal
"So eine Ente!"

— What a duck! (used sarcastically or in amazement, similar to 'What a mess!' or 'What a situation!'). Can express exasperation or mild annoyance at a silly situation.

Er hat schon wieder seinen Schlüssel vergessen. So eine Ente!

Informal
"Eine Ente laufen lassen"

— To start a rumor or spread a piece of gossip. Similar to 'eine Ente aufreißen' but focuses more on the act of dissemination.

Sie hat eine kleine Neuigkeit über den Nachbarn laufen lassen, um zu sehen, was passiert.

Informal
"Die Ente ist fett"

— Literally 'The duck is fat'. Figuratively, it can imply that someone has made a lot of money easily or is in a very comfortable, prosperous situation.

Seit er die Firma verkauft hat, ist die Ente fett, er muss sich keine Sorgen mehr machen.

Informal

間違えやすい

die Ente vs Die Gans

Both are common waterfowl and popular poultry dishes in German cuisine. They share similar habitats and culinary uses.

Die Ente is a duck, while die Gans is a goose. Geese are generally larger than ducks and have different culinary traditions associated with them, such as being a more prominent Christmas dish in some regions. Visually, they are also distinguishable.

Für Weihnachten kaufen wir traditionell eine Gans, aber unter der Woche essen wir gerne Ente.

die Ente vs Der Erpel

Both refer to ducks. 'Die Ente' is the general term and often refers to the female or the species, while 'der Erpel' is specifically the male duck.

Die Ente (feminine) is the general term for duck, often used for the species or the female. Der Erpel (masculine) is specifically a male duck (drake). In everyday talk, 'die Ente' is often used for both, but in scientific or specific contexts, the distinction matters.

Der Erpel hat ein wunderschönes, schillerndes Kopfgefieder, während die Ente eher schlicht gefärbt ist.

die Ente vs Das Huhn

Both are common types of poultry consumed as food. Both are birds.

Das Huhn is chicken, a land bird. Die Ente is a duck, a water bird. Their taste, texture, and culinary preparations are different. Chicken is generally more common and less expensive than duck.

Wir essen Hühnchen fast jeden Tag, aber Ente gibt es nur zu besonderen Anlässen.

die Ente vs Der Schwan

Both are large, graceful water birds. They are often found in similar environments like lakes and ponds.

Der Schwan is a swan, known for its elegance and white plumage. Swans are typically not eaten as poultry and are often protected. Die Ente is a duck, which is smaller, quacks, and is commonly eaten.

Man sieht viele Enten im Park, aber Schwäne sind seltener und werden nicht gejagt.

die Ente vs Wasservogel

Die Ente is a type of Wasservogel. The terms are closely related.

Wasservogel is a general term for any bird that lives in or around water (waterfowl). Die Ente is a specific type of Wasservogel (a duck). Other Wasservögel include swans, geese, gulls, etc.

Die Ente ist ein beliebter Wasservogel, aber auch der Schwan und die Gans gehören zu dieser Kategorie.

文型パターン

A1

Das ist eine Ente.

Das ist eine Ente im Wasser.

A1

Die Ente [verb].

Die Ente schwimmt.

A2

Ich sehe eine Ente.

Ich sehe eine Ente auf dem See.

A2

Wir haben Ente gegessen.

Wir haben im Restaurant Ente gegessen.

B1

Die Ente [verb] [preposition] [location].

Die Ente fliegt über den Wald.

B1

Ich mag [dish name].

Ich mag gebratene Ente.

B2

Die [noun] der Ente ist [adjective]. (Genitive)

Die Federn der Ente sind bunt.

B2

Manche Leute essen gerne [food item].

Manche Leute essen gerne Ente mit Klößen.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

関連

使い方

frequency

Very High

よくある間違い
  • Using 'der Ente' instead of 'die Ente'. Die Ente

    The noun 'Ente' is feminine. Learners often struggle with noun genders in German. Always remember 'die Ente' for the nominative singular.

  • Using 'Ente' in plural when referring to multiple ducks. Enten

    The plural of 'Ente' is 'Enten'. If you see or talk about more than one duck, you must use the plural form, e.g., 'Wir sahen viele Enten.'

  • Confusing 'die Ente' (duck) with 'die Gans' (goose). Die Ente / Die Gans

    While both are waterfowl and poultry, they are distinct species. 'Ente' is duck, 'Gans' is goose. This mistake can lead to misunderstandings, especially in culinary contexts.

  • Incorrect case endings, e.g., 'Ich gebe die Ente' instead of 'Ich gebe der Ente'. Ich gebe der Ente.

    German nouns change their endings based on their grammatical case. After the verb 'geben' (to give), the indirect object is in the dative case. The dative singular for feminine nouns like 'Ente' is 'der Ente'.

  • Overusing 'die Ente' when referring to duck meat in a specific context. Entenfleisch or contextually 'Ente'.

    While 'die Ente' is often understood as the dish, 'Entenfleisch' is more precise for 'duck meat'. Saying 'Ich esse die Ente' can sound a bit blunt; 'Ich esse Ente' or 'Ich esse Entenfleisch' might be more natural depending on the situation.

ヒント

Mastering the Sound

Focus on the initial 'E' sound, which is like the 'e' in 'bed'. The 'nt' is standard, and the final 'e' is a soft schwa sound ('uh'). Practice saying 'EN-tuh' with the stress on the first syllable. Avoid pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly.

Gender and Plural

Always remember that 'Ente' is feminine ('die Ente'). The plural is 'die Enten'. Practice using these forms in sentences with different cases to solidify your understanding.

Culinary Context

When ordering food, 'die Ente' is perfectly acceptable and commonly understood to mean the prepared dish. You don't always need to say 'Entenfleisch' unless you want to be very specific, for example, when buying meat.

Visual Association

Create a mental image that combines the duck in its natural habitat (swimming) with its culinary form (roast duck). This dual image will help you remember both meanings of the word.

Sentence Building

Try to construct sentences using 'die Ente' in various grammatical cases and contexts. Write about seeing ducks in a park, or imagine ordering duck at a restaurant. This active practice reinforces learning.

Traditional Dish

Understand that roast duck is a traditional and often celebratory dish in Germany, particularly during holidays. Knowing this cultural context can help you understand why the word appears frequently in certain situations.

Informal Uses

Be aware that informally, 'Ente' can mean a hoax or a silly mistake. While not the primary meaning, recognizing these idiomatic uses can help you understand casual conversations better.

Other Waterfowl

Learn to distinguish 'die Ente' from 'die Gans' (goose) and 'der Schwan' (swan), as they are different species with distinct characteristics and cultural significance.

Regular Revision

Like any vocabulary, regular review is key. Revisit sentences, practice exercises, and try to use 'die Ente' in your own German conversations or writing regularly to keep it fresh in your memory.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Imagine a large, elegant 'ANT' wearing a fancy hat, swimming gracefully in a pond. The 'ANT' is so graceful, it looks like a beautiful 'Ente'. The hat helps you remember the 'E' sound at the beginning. 'ANT' sounds a bit like 'Ente' when you say it quickly.

視覚的連想

Picture a classic rubber ducky, the kind you might see in a bathtub. Now, imagine that rubber ducky is wearing a tiny chef's hat and holding a small roasting pan. This connects the animal (duck) with its culinary use (roast duck).

Word Web

Ente (Duck) Wasservogel (Waterfowl) Tier (Animal) Natur (Nature) See (Lake) Teich (Pond) Flug (Flight) Schwimmen (Swimming)

チャレンジ

Try to describe a scene in a park with ducks, using the word 'die Ente' and its plural 'die Enten' at least three times. Then, imagine you are ordering a meal and use 'die Ente' to refer to the dish.

語源

The German word 'Ente' comes from Middle High German 'ente' and Old High German 'enta'. Its ultimate origin is likely Proto-Germanic '*andijaz'. The word is related to similar terms in other Germanic languages, such as English 'duck' (though the direct etymological link is complex and debated, with 'ente' possibly being older or from a different branch) and Dutch 'eend'.

元の意味: Likely referred to a water bird, without specific distinction between male and female in its earliest forms.

Indo-European, Germanic branch

文化的な背景

The word 'die Ente' itself is neutral. However, discussions around hunting or animal welfare might require sensitivity depending on the audience. When referring to the food, it is generally a culinary topic without inherent sensitivities, unless someone is vegetarian or vegan.

In English-speaking countries, ducks are also common in parks and are eaten as poultry, though perhaps less ubiquitously as a traditional holiday main dish compared to turkey or goose in some regions. The concept of a 'duck' as a bird and a food item is very similar.

Donald Duck (Donald Duck) is a globally recognized character, and while his name is English, his presence is felt in German culture too, often referred to simply as 'Donald' or in contexts where 'die Ente' is the generic term. The Brothers Grimm fairy tales sometimes feature ducks or similar waterfowl in their narratives, contributing to their presence in German cultural imagination. Regional German cuisine often features specific duck dishes, making 'die Ente' a recurring item on menus across different parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

A park by a lake or pond.

  • Schau, eine Ente!
  • Die Enten schwimmen.
  • Kannst du die Ente füttern?
  • Viele Enten sind hier.

A German restaurant menu.

  • Gebratene Ente
  • Ente mit Rotkohl
  • Ich möchte eine Ente bestellen.
  • Ente à l'orange

A conversation about traditional holiday meals.

  • Zu Weihnachten gibt es oft Ente.
  • Meine Oma macht die beste Ente.
  • Wir essen Ente mit Klößen.
  • Das ist unser Festessen: Ente.

A discussion about animals or nature documentaries.

  • Die Ente ist ein Wasservogel.
  • Die Ente baut ihr Nest.
  • Die Ente legt Eier.
  • Manche Enten migrieren.

A cooking show or recipe.

  • Die Ente im Ofen braten.
  • Die Ente richtig zubereiten.
  • Entenbraten Rezept.
  • Das Fleisch der Ente ist zart.

会話のきっかけ

"Have you ever seen ducks swimming in a park in Germany?"

"What's your favorite way to eat duck? Do you prefer it roasted or in another style?"

"If you were to order a traditional German meal, would you choose roast duck?"

"Do you think ducks are beautiful animals to watch in nature?"

"What other waterfowl do you know the names of in German?"

日記のテーマ

Describe a time you saw ducks in a park. What were they doing? What sounds did you hear?

Imagine you are ordering a special meal. Describe the duck dish you would choose and what side dishes you would like.

Write a short story about a duck. What is its name? What adventures does it have?

Reflect on the different ways animals are part of our lives – both as living creatures and as food. Use 'die Ente' as an example.

Compare and contrast the experience of seeing a duck in the wild versus eating duck as a meal. What are your thoughts on this duality?

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, 'die Ente' is always a feminine noun in German. Remember to use the feminine article 'die' in the nominative singular (die Ente) and 'der' in the dative and genitive singular (der Ente).

The plural of 'die Ente' is 'die Enten'. So, if you see more than one duck, you say 'Enten'.

Yes, absolutely. 'Die Ente' is used for both the live bird and the prepared dish (like roast duck). The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended. For example, 'Die Ente schwimmt im See' (The duck swims in the lake) refers to the animal, while 'Wir essen Ente' (We eat duck) refers to the food.

'Die Ente' is the general term for duck, often referring to the species or the female. 'Der Erpel' specifically refers to a male duck (a drake). While 'die Ente' can sometimes be used for males in general conversation, 'der Erpel' is more precise.

Yes, duck ('Ente' or 'Entenbraten') is a traditional and popular dish in German cuisine, especially during festive seasons like Christmas. It's considered a delicacy and is often served with classic side dishes like red cabbage and dumplings.

Yes, informally, 'eine Ente' can refer to a hoax or a false rumor. Phrases like 'eine Ente aufreißen' (to spread a tall tale) or 'eine Ente machen' (to make a silly mistake) exist, but the primary meanings are the bird and the food.

It's pronounced approximately 'EN-tuh'. The stress is on the first syllable ('EN'), and the final 'e' is a soft 'uh' sound (schwa).

Common phrases include 'die Ente schwimmt' (the duck swims), 'Enten füttern' (to feed ducks), and 'gebratene Ente' (roast duck).

'Entenfleisch' specifically means 'duck meat'. While 'die Ente' is commonly used on menus to refer to the dish, 'Entenfleisch' is more precise when you want to talk about the meat itself, for example, when buying it from a butcher.

Yes, 'die Gans' (goose) and 'der Schwan' (swan) are other large water birds. It's important to distinguish them, as they are different species with different characteristics and culinary roles.

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