der Ara
macaw
A large, long-tailed parrot with colorful plumage, native to the tropical forests of Central and South America.
EXAMPLE
Im Zoo bewunderten die Kinder den leuchtend roten Ara.
At the zoo, the children admired the bright red macaw.
der Ara
macaw / Ara
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Meanings
der Ara
Ara
A constellation in the southern sky that is also called the Altar in Latin technical terminology.
EXAMPLE
Das Sternbild Ara ist von Mitteleuropa aus nicht zu sehen.
The constellation Ara cannot be seen from Central Europe.
Usage tips
Context clues
The two meanings are easy to distinguish. If people are talking about animals, birds, the zoo, or the jungle, the parrot is meant. If they are talking about the sky, stars, or astronomy, the constellation is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Ara ist für sein buntes Gefieder bekannt.
The macaw is known for its colorful plumage.
Typical collocations
When the bird is meant, 'Ara' (macaw) is often combined with adjectives that describe colors. Typical examples are 'bunter Ara' (colorful macaw), 'roter Ara' (red macaw), or 'blau-gelber Ara' (blue-and-yellow macaw).
EXAMPLE
Im Vogelpark sahen wir einen wunderschönen blauen Ara.
At the bird park, we saw a beautiful blue macaw.
Fixed combination
In the astronomical meaning, 'Ara' is almost always used together with the word 'Sternbild' (constellation). So you typically say 'das Sternbild Ara' (the constellation Ara).
EXAMPLE
Der Astronom zeigte uns die Position des Sternbilds Ara am Himmel.
The astronomer showed us the position of the constellation Ara in the sky.
In real life
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