fossil
das Fossil, die Fossilien
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fossil
A petrified remnant or impression of a living organism from an earlier period of Earth's history that has been preserved in rock.
Im Museum konnten wir das Fossil eines urzeitlichen Fisches betrachten.
At the museum, we were able to examine the fossil of a prehistoric fish.
fossil
A person or thing regarded as outdated and no longer in keeping with the times.
Mit seinen Ansichten gilt er in unserer Partei als Fossil.
Because of his views, he is considered a fossil in our party.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Fossilien |
| genitive | des Fossils |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Fossil | die Fossilien |
| accusative | das Fossil | die Fossilien |
| dative | dem Fossil | den Fossilien |
| genitive | des Fossils | der Fossilien |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Typical collocations include „ein Fossil entdecken“ (to discover a fossil), „ein Fossil freilegen“ (to uncover a fossil), and „ein Fossil untersuchen“ (to examine a fossil). „Freilegen“ describes the careful removal of the material surrounding the fossil.
Das Forschungsteam legte das Fossil vorsichtig mit kleinen Werkzeugen frei.
The research team carefully uncovered the fossil using small tools.
For the figurative meaning, the patterns „jemanden als Fossil bezeichnen“ (to call someone a fossil) and „als Fossil gelten“ (to be considered a fossil) are typical. They express an evaluation that is often explained by references to old-fashioned views or habits.
Wegen seiner Haltung zur Technik bezeichnen ihn manche Kollegen als Fossil.
Because of his attitude toward technology, some colleagues call him a fossil.
When referring to people, „Fossil“ usually sounds mocking or derogatory. Especially when used to address someone directly, the word can be insulting.
Sie war gekränkt, als ein Kollege sie ein Fossil nannte.
She was upset when a colleague called her a fossil.
