meerkat
das Erdmännchen, die Erdmännchen
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meerkat
A small carnivorous mammal from the mongoose family that lives in groups in southern Africa. It has grayish-brown fur and dark patches around its eyes and often stands on its hind legs to watch for danger.
Ein Erdmännchen stand auf den Hinterbeinen und beobachtete die Umgebung, während die anderen nach Futter suchten.
One meerkat stood on its hind legs and watched the surroundings while the others searched for food.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Erdmännchen |
| genitive | des Erdmännchens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Erdmännchen | die Erdmännchen |
| accusative | das Erdmännchen | die Erdmännchen |
| dative | dem Erdmännchen | den Erdmännchen |
| genitive | des Erdmännchens | der Erdmännchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Erdmännchen' (meerkat) is made up of 'Erde' (earth) and 'Männchen' (little man). The first component refers to its way of life in underground burrows; literally, the word therefore describes a small animal connected with the earth.
Im Gehege konnten die Besucher mehrere Erdmännchen vor ihren Bauen beobachten.
At the enclosure, the visitors were able to watch several meerkats in front of their burrows.
'Erdmännchen' (meerkat) often occurs with words such as 'Kolonie' (colony), 'Bau' (burrow), and 'Gehege' (enclosure). The phrases 'Erdmännchen beobachten' (to watch meerkats) and 'Erdmännchen füttern' (to feed meerkats) are also particularly common in connection with zoos.
Die Kinder wollten im Zoo unbedingt die Erdmännchen beobachten.
The children really wanted to watch the meerkats at the zoo.
In context, 'Erdmännchen' (meerkat) often appears with words related to animal keeping or group life, such as 'Zoo' (zoo), 'Kolonie' (colony), 'Bau' (burrow), or 'Wache' (lookout). These words help you quickly identify the animal, even when it is not described in more detail in the sentence.
Eine ganze Kolonie Erdmännchen verschwand plötzlich in ihrem Bau.
An entire colony of meerkats suddenly disappeared into their burrow.
