elf
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elf
A mythical creature from myths and legends, often portrayed as a small, delicate, human-like being with magical powers that usually lives in nature.
In dem Fantasy-Roman freundet sich der Held mit einer weisen Elfe an.
In the fantasy novel, the hero befriends a wise elf.
To distinguish the two meanings, pay attention to the context. If you are talking about myths, magic, or fantasy stories, the mythical creature is meant. In texts about nature, ponds, or insects, the poetic term for a dragonfly may be meant.
Im Märchenbuch tanzten die Elfen im Mondlicht.
In the fairy-tale book, the elves danced in the moonlight.
When Elfen are mentioned as mythical creatures, they are often associated with certain qualities. These include 'unsterblich' (immortal), 'naturverbunden' (close to nature), 'anmutig' (graceful), or 'magisch begabt' (magically gifted).
Die Elfen in dieser Geschichte sind unsterblich und leben tief im Wald.
The elves in this story are immortal and live deep in the forest.
The use of 'Elfe' (elf/dragonfly) for a dragonfly is very rare today and is considered outdated or poetic. In normal usage, you will hardly ever hear this meaning.
Der Dichter beschrieb die über dem Bach tanzenden Elfen.
The poet described the dragonflies dancing above the stream.
fairy
'die Fee' and 'die Elfe' are both mythical beings and can have magical powers. That is why learners can easily confuse them. A fairy is often imagined as a female being who helps people or grants wishes. An elf is more of a delicate, human-like being from myths and often lives in nature, for example in the forest. In fairy tales, 'Fee' fits especially well when the focus is on help or wishes. 'Elfe' sounds more natural when it is about a magical world of nature.
Zwischen den Blumen tanzt eine kleine Elfe im Mondlicht.
A little elf dances among the flowers in the moonlight.
Im Märchen erfüllt die Fee dem armen Mädchen drei Wünsche.
In the fairy tale, the fairy grants the poor girl three wishes.