01
der Admiral
admiral
One of the highest military ranks for officers in the navy.
example
Der Admiral gab der Flotte den Befehl zum Auslaufen.
The admiral gave the fleet the order to set sail.
der Admiral
admiral
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The two meanings are clearly separated by context. If the sentences talk about the military, ships, or the navy, the officer is meant. If they are about nature, the garden, insects, or colors, the butterfly is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Admiral inspizierte die Flotte im Hafen.
The admiral inspected the fleet in the harbor.
Military rank
In the military meaning, 'Admiral' refers to one of the highest officer ranks exclusively in the navy. It is the counterpart to a general in the army or air force.
EXAMPLE
Der Admiral befehligte die gesamte Marineoperation.
The admiral commanded the entire naval operation.
Typical context
The butterfly 'Admiral' (red admiral) is often found in late summer and autumn. It is attracted to ripe fruit, which is why you often see it on apples or pears lying on the ground.
EXAMPLE
Im Garten saßen mehrere Admirale auf den überreifen Pflaumen.
Several red admirals were sitting on the overripe plums in the garden.
Compare with
Admiral vs General
general
'der General' and 'der Admiral' both refer to very high military ranks. The difference lies in the branch of the military: a general belongs to the army or the air force. An admiral belongs to the navy, that is, the naval forces. Learners may confuse the words because both are high-ranking officers and have similar responsibilities. When it is about land or air, 'General' is more natural; when it is about ships or the navy, 'Admiral' is correct.
Admiral
Der Admiral gab den Schiffen im Hafen neue Befehle.
The admiral gave the ships in the harbor new orders.
General
Der General plante den Einsatz der Truppen an Land.
The general planned the deployment of the troops on land.
In real life
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