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die Aloe
aloe
A genus of succulent plants with thick, fleshy leaves that often grow in dry regions. The best-known species is aloe vera.
example
Auf der Fensterbank wächst eine große Aloe.
A large aloe is growing on the windowsill.
die Aloe
aloe
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether the plant or the ingredient is meant. Verbs like 'wachsen' (to grow) or 'gießen' (to water) refer to the plant. Words like 'enthalten' (to contain), 'Creme' (cream), or 'Gel' (gel) point to the processed juice.
EXAMPLE
Meine Aloe wächst sehr schnell und braucht bald einen größeren Topf.
My aloe is growing very quickly and will soon need a bigger pot.
Typical collocations
When referring to the ingredient, 'Aloe' (aloe) often appears in connection with product types or properties. Typical expressions are 'reine Aloe' (pure aloe), 'Gel aus Aloe' (gel made from aloe), or 'Creme mit Aloe' (cream with aloe).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sonnenbrand habe ich ein Gel mit Aloe aufgetragen.
After the sunburn, I applied a gel with aloe.
Use with “Vera”
Very often, the plant or ingredient is referred to with the addition 'Vera' as 'Aloe Vera' (aloe vera). This form is very common in everyday language and especially on product packaging.
EXAMPLE
Aloe Vera ist für ihre heilende Wirkung bekannt.
Aloe vera is known for its healing effect.
Compare with
Aloe vs Kaktus
cactus
'die Aloe' and 'der Kaktus' can easily be confused because both plants often have thick, fleshy parts and cope well with dryness. An aloe usually has fleshy leaves and is known, for example, through aloe vera; gel for cosmetics or skincare is also obtained from it. A cactus typically has thick stems and often spines. So not every plant that looks dry or has fleshy parts is a cactus. If you are talking about skincare gel, you usually mean aloe; if you are thinking of a spiny desert plant, 'Kaktus' is more appropriate.
Aloe
Nach dem Sonnenbrand trägt Maria etwas Aloe auf die Haut auf.
After getting sunburned, Maria applies some aloe to her skin.
Kaktus
Für das helle Fenster hat Tom einen kleinen Kaktus gekauft.
Tom bought a small cactus for the bright window.
In real life
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