der Schnabel, ¨-
beak
Ein fester Teil am Kopf eines Vogels, mit dem er frisst, trinkt oder Dinge aufnimmt.
Definition & meaning
The word Schnabel refers to the beak or bill of a bird. It is the hard, protruding mouthpart used by birds for feeding, grooming, manipulating objects, and defense.
In a figurative sense, it can also be used colloquially to refer to a person's mouth or nose, often in a slightly humorous or dismissive way. For example, the phrase "Halt den Schnabel!" is a blunt way to say "Shut your mouth!" or "Shut up!"
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a masculine noun (der Schnabel). Its plural form is Schnäbel .
Etymologically, it originates from the Middle High German snabel, which is related to the Middle Low German snabel and the Middle Dutch snabel. It is connected to the verb schnappen (to snap or snatch), describing the function of the beak.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- der Schnautze (used for animals with snouts, sometimes used colloquially for a human mouth)
- das Maul (used for animal mouths)
- der Mund (used for human mouths, when used in a figurative sense)
Antonyms:
- There are no direct antonyms for this noun.
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Examples
Die Enten reinigen ihre Schnäbel im Wasser.noun
The ducks clean their beaks in the water.
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