01
die Biene
bee
A yellow-and-black striped insect that collects nectar, produces honey, and is important for pollinating plants.
example
Eine Biene summte von Blüte zu Blüte.
A bee buzzed from flower to flower.
die Biene
bee
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound nouns
The word 'Biene' (bee) is the basis for many useful compound nouns. If you know 'Biene', you can more easily understand words like 'Bienenstock' (beehive), 'Bienenhonig' (bee honey), or 'Bienenstich' (bee sting; also a cake).
EXAMPLE
Im Garten haben wir einen Bienenstock für Wildbienen aufgestellt.
In the garden, we set up a beehive for wild bees.
Typical verbs
Certain verbs are often used in connection with bees. Bees 'summen' (buzz), 'fliegen' (fly), 'sammeln' (collect) nectar, and can 'stechen' (sting).
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass dich die Biene nicht sticht!
Be careful that the bee doesn't sting you!
Fixed expression
The expression 'fleißig wie eine Biene sein' (to be as busy as a bee) is a very common comparison. It describes a person who is very hardworking and busy.
EXAMPLE
Meine Kollegin ist vor der Präsentation fleißig wie eine Biene.
My colleague is as busy as a bee before the presentation.
Compare with
Biene vs Drohne
drone
'die Biene' and 'die Drohne' can both appear in the context of a bee colony. 'Biene' is the general name for the insect that collects nectar and produces honey. In this context, 'Drohne' means a male bee. Drones do not collect nectar and do not make honey. What can be confusing is that in everyday language, 'Drohne' often also means a remotely controlled flying device. When you are talking about honey, flowers, and pollination, 'Biene' is usually meant. Only for male bees in a beehive do you say 'Drohne'.
Biene
Eine Biene fliegt von Blüte zu Blüte und sammelt Nektar.
A bee flies from flower to flower and collects nectar.
Drohne
Im Bienenstock ist die Drohne die männliche Biene.
In the beehive, the drone is the male bee.
In real life
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