der Elefant, -en

The German word "Elefant" is a noun meaning "elephant" in English.

• It is a direct borrowing from Latin elephas (elephant), not composed of smaller German words.
• In German, it simply denotes the large mammal known for its trunk and tusks.

Similar words:

• Rüssel (trunk, part of the elephant)
• Koloss (colossus, used figuratively for something large like an elephant)
• Dickhäuter (thick-skinned animal, often refers to elephants and rhinoceroses)

Difference:

• "Elefant" directly refers to the animal.
• The others are descriptive or figurative terms related to characteristics of the elephant but are more general or poetic.