noun

die Puppe, -n

doll

Ein kleines Abbild eines Menschen oder Tieres, mit dem Kinder oft spielen.

Definition & meaning

The word Puppe has several meanings in German:

Doll/Toy: The most common meaning refers to a toy that looks like a human being, typically used by children. This includes everything from simple rag dolls to complex fashion dolls.
Puppet: In the context of theater, it refers to figures moved by strings, rods, or hands, such as those found in a puppet show.
Pupa/Chrysalis: In biology, it describes the developmental stage of an insect (like a butterfly) during its metamorphosis, specifically the stage between the larva and the adult.
Figure/Mannequin: It can refer to a tailor's dummy or a store mannequin used to display clothes.
Colloquial term: Historically and informally, it has been used to refer to an attractive young woman or girl, though this usage can be seen as objectifying or old-fashioned.

Grammar & Word origin

Puppe is a feminine noun (die Puppe). Its plural form is Puppen.

The word originates from the Latin pupa, which means "girl," "doll," or "puppet." It entered the German language through Middle High German pappe. The biological sense of the word was adopted later, mirroring the Latin use of the term for the dormant stage of insects.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

In the context of toys or theater: Spielzeug, Marionette, Handpuppe, Figur.
In biology: Kokon, Larve, Insektenstadium.
In fashion: Schaufensterpuppe, Schneiderpuppe.
For a person: Mädchen, Frau, Schätzchen.

Antonyms:

In biology: Imago (the adult, fully developed stage of the insect).
In the context of toys: Mensch (referring to a real person as opposed to a representation).