01
das Aas
carrion
The decomposing body of a dead animal, often serving as food for other animals.
example
Die Geier kreisten über dem Aas in der Savanne.
The vultures circled above the carrion in the savanna.
das Aas
carrion
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about animals, nature, or decomposition, it means the animal carcass. In an argument or insult between people, it is an insult.
EXAMPLE
Der Geruch von Aas lag in der Luft.
The smell of carrion was in the air.
Word family
Other words are derived from 'Aas' (carrion), such as the adjective 'aasig' (mean, disgusting) or the compound 'der Aasgeier' (a vulture that eats carrion). These words help you understand the negative connotation.
EXAMPLE
Sein Verhalten war wirklich aasig.
His behavior was really nasty.
Typical collocations
In the biological sense, 'Aas' (carrion) is often connected with animals that feed on it. Typical 'Aasfresser' (scavengers) are vultures, hyenas, or ravens.
EXAMPLE
Einige Insektenarten sind darauf spezialisiert, Aas zu zersetzen.
Some insect species are specialized in decomposing carrion.
Style and register
As an insult, 'Aas' (bastard/scumbag) is extremely strong, vulgar, and hurtful. It is used only in situations of great anger or contempt and should be handled with extreme caution.
EXAMPLE
Er nannte seinen Rivalen ein hinterhältiges Aas.
He called his rival an underhanded scumbag.
Compare with
Aas vs Leiche
corpse
'die Leiche' and 'das Aas' both have to do with a dead body. The important difference is: 'Leiche' is used for the dead body of a human being. 'Aas' usually means the decomposing body of a dead animal, often in nature as food for other animals. The words can be confused because both refer to something dead. For humans, however, you do not neutrally say 'Aas', but 'Leiche'. When used for people, 'Aas' sounds very crude and insulting and is not part of a factual description.
Aas
Am Waldrand fraßen Krähen an dem Aas eines Rehs.
At the edge of the forest, crows were feeding on the carrion of a deer.
Leiche
Die Polizei fand die Leiche in einem verlassenen Haus.
The police found the corpse in an abandoned house.
In real life
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