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der Dino
dino
Colloquial short form of dinosaur, an extinct reptile from the Mesozoic Era.
example
Mein kleiner Neffe spielt am liebsten mit seinen Dino-Figuren.
My little nephew loves playing with his dino figures most of all.
der Dino
dino
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Short form
'Dino' is the colloquial short form of the word 'Dinosaurier' (dinosaur) and is much more common in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Im Naturkundemuseum gibt es ein riesiges Dino-Skelett zu sehen.
At the natural history museum, there is a huge dino skeleton to see.
Colloquial style
The word 'Dino' is used mainly in colloquial language in both meanings. In a formal or scientific text, you would write 'Dinosaurier' (dinosaur).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder lieben es, Geschichten über Dinos zu hören.
Children love listening to stories about dinos.
Figurative meaning
The term 'Dino' for a person or thing is meant figuratively. It compares someone or something to an extinct animal in order to express that he, she, or it is no longer up to date.
EXAMPLE
Manche nennen klassische Autos ohne moderne Technik liebevoll 'Dinos der Straße'.
Some people affectionately call classic cars without modern technology 'dinos of the road.'
Context clue
The figurative meaning for an outdated person or thing is clear from the context. If people are talking about technology, work, or old-fashioned habits, this second meaning is often meant.
EXAMPLE
Sein Kollege, der immer noch kein Smartphone benutzt, ist der Dino der Abteilung.
His colleague, who still doesn't use a smartphone, is the dinosaur of the department.
Compare with
Dino vs Oldtimer
classic car / old-timer
'der Oldtimer' and 'der Dino' can both present something or someone as very old. However, the tone is different. With vehicles, an 'Oldtimer' is usually positive: an old, well-preserved, and often valuable car. For people, it can jokingly mean an experienced older person. 'Dino' is colloquial and often sounds more critical: a person or thing seems very old, outdated, or no longer modern. The words can be confused because both have to do with age. 'Oldtimer' fits better when value and experience are involved, while 'Dino' fits better for something old-fashioned or obsolete.
Dino
Unser alter Kopierer ist ein echter Dino und bleibt ständig stehen.
Our old copier is a real dinosaur and keeps breaking down.
Oldtimer
Auf dem Stadtfest bewundern viele Besucher den roten Oldtimer aus den sechziger Jahren.
At the town festival, many visitors admire the red classic car from the sixties.
In real life
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