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noun

die Maus, ¨-e

mouse

Definition & meaning

The word Maus has several meanings in the German language:

  1. Animal: It refers to a small rodent with a pointed snout, large ears, and a long, thin tail. In a biological context, it usually refers to the house mouse.
  2. Computer hardware: Similar to English, it describes the handheld input device used to control a cursor on a computer screen.
  3. Endearment: It is a very common affectionate nickname for a romantic partner or a child, often used in the diminutive form Mäuschen.
  4. Slang for money: In its plural form, Mäuse is a colloquial term for money, similar to the English "bucks" or "dough".

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a feminine noun: die Maus. Its plural form is die Mäuse, which involves an "Umlaut" change from "au" to "äu".

Etymologically, the word stems from the Old High German mūs, which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "mūs". This root is the ancestor of the word for mouse in many Indo-European languages, including the Latin "mus" and the Ancient Greek "mŷs". Interestingly, the root is thought to be related to a word meaning "to steal," referring to the animal's behavior of taking food.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • In a biological context: Nagetier (rodent).
  • As a term of endearment: Schatz (treasure/darling), Liebling (favorite/sweetheart), or Mäuschen (little mouse).
  • Regarding money: Geld (money), Kohle (coal/slang for money), Zaster (slang for money).
  • For the computer device: Eingabegerät (input device).

Antonyms:

  • In a biological or metaphorical context (predator/prey): Katze (cat).
  • Regarding size (proverbially): Elefant (elephant), often used in the idiom "aus einer Mücke einen Elefanten machen" (to make a mountain out of a molehill), though Maus is also used in size comparisons.

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Examples

Die Maus frisst Käse.noun

The mouse is eating cheese.

Im Garten liefen viele Mäuse.noun

In the garden many mice were running.

Die Kinder spielen mit einer kleinen Maus.noun

The children are playing with a small mouse.

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