amphibian
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amphibian
An animal from the class of amphibians that can live both in water and on land, such as a frog or a salamander.
Der Frosch ist eine Amphibie, da er als Kaulquappe im Wasser und später an Land lebt.
The frog is an amphibian because it lives in water as a tadpole and later on land.
The word comes from Greek: 'amphi' means 'on both sides' and 'bios' means 'life.' An 'Amphibie' (amphibian/amphibious vehicle) therefore leads a 'double life,' which applies both to animals (water/land) and to vehicles (water/land).
Die Fähigkeit zum doppelten Leben macht Amphibien so besonders.
The ability to live a double life is what makes amphibians so special.
You can tell from context whether an animal or a vehicle is meant. Words like 'Teich' (pond), 'Frosch' (frog), or 'Natur' (nature) point to the animal. Words like 'Militär' (military), 'Motor' (engine), or 'fahren' (to drive) point to the vehicle.
Im Biologieunterricht lernen wir über die Entwicklung der Amphibie.
In biology class, we learn about the development of the amphibian.
When it is about the animal, typical verbs are 'beobachten' (to observe), 'schützen' (to protect), or 'gehören zu' (to belong to). The plural 'Amphibien' (amphibians) is often used.
Viele Amphibien sind heute vom Aussterben bedroht.
Many amphibians are threatened with extinction today.
fish
'der Fisch' and 'die Amphibie' can both be animals connected with water. The important difference is: a fish lives in water, breathes with gills, and moves with fins. An amphibian, for example a frog, can often live both in water and on land. Learners may confuse the words because some amphibians swim in water and are born there. But if it is about an animal with gills and fins, 'Fisch' fits. If an animal also lives on land, 'Amphibie' is more likely to fit.
Der Frosch ist eine Amphibie, weil er im Wasser und an Land leben kann.
The frog is an amphibian because it can live in water and on land.
Im klaren Wasser schwimmt ein kleiner Fisch zwischen den Steinen.
In the clear water, a small fish is swimming among the stones.