die Eule
owl
A nocturnal bird of prey with large, forward-facing eyes and a distinctive call.
EXAMPLE
Nachts kann man im Wald manchmal den Ruf einer Eule hören.
At night, you can sometimes hear the call of an owl in the forest.
die Eule
owl
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Meanings
Eulen nach Athen tragen
to carry coals to Newcastle
An idiom meaning to do something unnecessary because there is already enough of it.
EXAMPLE
Einem IT-Experten einen Computerkurs zu schenken, ist wie Eulen nach Athen zu tragen.
Giving an IT expert a computer course is like carrying coals to Newcastle.
Usage tips
Cultural symbol
In German culture, as in many others, the owl is considered a symbol of wisdom and learning. You often find it in the logos of bookstores or universities.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Eule im Märchen gibt dem Helden immer einen klugen Rat.
The old owl in the fairy tale always gives the hero wise advice.
Figurative use
A person who likes to stay up late and is active at night is colloquially called a 'Nachteule' (night owl). This comes from the bird's nocturnal behavior.
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder ist eine richtige Nachteule und geht selten vor zwei Uhr morgens ins Bett.
My brother is a real night owl and rarely goes to bed before two in the morning.
Fixed idiom
The expression 'Eulen nach Athen tragen' (to carry owls to Athens) is a fixed idiom. It is used to describe an action as pointless or unnecessary.
EXAMPLE
Dem Bäcker Brot zu schenken, hieße Eulen nach Athen tragen.
Giving bread to the baker would be like carrying coals to Newcastle.
In real life
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