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noun

der Maulwurf, ¨-e

mole

Definition & meaning

Maulwurf means mole (the small burrowing mammal). It lives underground, digs tunnels, and is known for leaving molehills (Maulwurfshügel) in gardens and fields.

Figuratively, Maulwurf can also mean a spy / informer / “mole”—a person who secretly works inside an organization and passes information to someone else.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Gender: der Maulwurf
  • Plural: die Maulwürfe
  • Word parts:
    • Maul = “mouth, muzzle”
    • Wurf = “throw, cast” (from werfen)
      The compound suggests an animal that “throws up earth,” referring to the soil pushed up while digging.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms (literal, animal):

  • der Erdmolch (rare/old-fashioned)
  • der Schermaus (regional; sometimes used loosely)

Synonyms (figurative, spy):

  • der Spion
  • der Informant
  • der Spitzel (often negative)

Antonyms (figurative, depending on context):

  • der Loyalist
  • der Verbündete

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Examples

Der Maulwurf gräbt im Garten unter der Erde.noun

The mole digs in the garden under the earth.

Die Maulwürfe haben im Winter viele Hügel gebaut.noun

The moles built many hills in winter.

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