das Gift, -e
poison
Eine Substanz, die Lebewesen krank machen oder töten kann, wenn sie gegessen, eingeatmet oder berührt wird.
The German word "Gift" is a noun that means "poison." It refers to a substance that can cause harm, injury, or death to living organisms if ingested, inhaled, or otherwise absorbed into the body.
In terms of word origin, "Gift" has linguistic roots that are related to the notion of giving something (related to the Old High German "giba," meaning gift or given substance), but in modern usage, it specifically refers to poisonous substances.
Similar words in German include "Poison" (French-origin, simply the word for "poison"), "Schadstoff" (toxic substance), and "Toxin" (toxin).
Difference:
- "Poison" (Gift) is generally used in a more specific context related directly to toxicity, whereas "Schadstoff" can refer to harmful substances that might not necessarily be deadly, and "Toxin" typically refers to biologically produced poisons.
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Examples
Die Blume enthält etwas Gift.noun
The flower contains some poison.
In diesem Becher ist Gift.noun
In this cup there is poison.
Vorsicht, dieses Mittel ist ein starkes Gift.noun
Caution, this substance is a strong poison.
Das Gift muss sicher aufbewahrt werden.noun
The poison must be kept safely.
Das Gift wirkt sehr schnell.noun
The poison acts very quickly.
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