chameleon
das Chamäleon, die Chamäleons
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chameleon
A lizard that can change its skin color and usually lives in trees. Chameleons have large eyes that move independently of each other and a long tongue they use to catch insects.
Das Chamäleon wechselte seine Farbe, als es sich auf einem grünen Blatt versteckte.
The chameleon changed color as it hid on a green leaf.
chameleon
A person who quickly adapts their behavior, views, or appearance to their surroundings.
Er ist ein Chamäleon und wirkt in jeder Gruppe wie ein anderer Mensch.
He is a chameleon and seems like a different person in every group.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Chamäleons |
| genitive | des Chamäleons |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Chamäleon | die Chamäleons |
| accusative | das Chamäleon | die Chamäleons |
| dative | dem Chamäleon | den Chamäleons |
| genitive | des Chamäleons | der Chamäleons |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
When referring to the animal, physical features or a habitat involving trees and leaves indicate the literal meaning. When 'das Chamäleon' (chameleon) refers to a person and their behavior or manner, the meaning is figurative.
Das Chamäleon saß reglos auf einem Ast und beobachtete seine Umgebung.
The chameleon sat motionless on a branch and watched its surroundings.
In der Diskussion zeigte sich das Chamäleon plötzlich von einer ganz anderen Seite.
During the discussion, the chameleon suddenly revealed a completely different side.
Common expressions referring to the animal include 'ein Chamäleon wechselt die Farbe' (a chameleon changes color), 'ein Chamäleon im Terrarium halten' (to keep a chameleon in a terrarium), and 'ein Chamäleon beobachten' (to observe a chameleon).
Im Zoo konnten die Kinder ein Chamäleon beim Fressen beobachten.
At the zoo, the children were able to watch a chameleon eating.
In its figurative sense, 'Chamäleon' (chameleon) is often linked to a field or group that the person adapts to, for example in 'politisches Chamäleon' (political chameleon) or 'ein Chamäleon in der Politik' (a chameleon in politics).
Viele halten ihn für ein politisches Chamäleon, weil er seine Positionen schnell verändert.
Many consider him a political chameleon because he changes his positions quickly.
Using 'Chamäleon' (chameleon) to describe a person is figurative and can convey approval or criticism depending on the context: it can praise adaptability, but it can also suggest a lack of personal convictions.
Als Schauspielerin ist sie ein echtes Chamäleon und nimmt jede Rolle überzeugend an.
As an actress, she is a true chameleon and takes on every role convincingly.
