die Ameise
ant
A small insect that lives in colonies and is known for its industriousness and organization.
EXAMPLE
Eine lange Straße von Ameisen transportierte Blätter zu ihrem Bau.
A long trail of ants was carrying leaves to their nest.
die Ameise
ant
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Meanings
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The expression 'fleißig wie eine Ameise sein' (to be as hardworking as an ant) is very common. It is used to describe a very hardworking person, since ants are considered a symbol of diligence.
EXAMPLE
Meine Oma arbeitet den ganzen Tag im Garten, sie ist fleißig wie eine Ameise.
My grandma works in the garden all day; she is as hardworking as an ant.
Word formation
'Ameise' (ant) is the base word for many compounds. This helps you recognize words that have to do with the insect, such as 'Ameisenhaufen' (anthill, the mound they live in) or 'Ameisenstraße' (ant trail, their path).
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass du nicht auf den Ameisenhaufen trittst!
Be careful not to step on the anthill!
Typical verbs
The verb 'wimmeln' (to swarm / to be teeming) is often used in connection with ants. 'Es wimmelt von Ameisen' means that there are very many ants in one place.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Picknick wimmelte die Decke von Ameisen.
After the picnic, the blanket was swarming with ants.
Compare with
Ameise vs Biene
bee
Biene and Ameise both symbolize industriousness. For a very hardworking and busy person, however, the comparison “fleißig wie eine Biene” (as busy as a bee) is commonly used. Ameise is also associated with industriousness, but in the meaning given here it refers to the organized insect and not directly to a person.
Ameise
Wie eine Ameise trägt Mia unermüdlich eine Kiste nach der anderen ins Geschäft.
Like an ant, Mia tirelessly carries one crate after another into the shop.
Biene
Vor der Eröffnung arbeitet Mia fleißig wie eine Biene.
Mia is working like a busy bee before the opening.
In real life
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