fishing / catch
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fishing
The activity of fishing, that is, catching fish from bodies of water, whether as a hobby or profession.
In vielen Küstenregionen ist der Fischfang die wichtigste Einnahmequelle.
In many coastal regions, fishing is the most important source of income.
'Fischfang' (fishing/catch) is a compound noun made from 'der Fisch' (fish) and 'der Fang' (catch). 'Der Fang' comes from the verb 'fangen' (to catch) and means 'what was caught' or 'the act of catching'.
Der kommerzielle Fischfang unterliegt strengen Regeln.
Commercial fishing is subject to strict rules.
The word has two meanings: the activity and the yield. If people are talking generally about the industry or a hobby, the activity is meant. If 'Fischfang' (catch) is described with adjectives like 'gut' (good), 'schlecht' (bad), or 'gering' (small/low), the yield is meant.
Der Fischfang ist eine alte Tradition in diesem Dorf.
Fishing is an old tradition in this village.
When 'Fischfang' describes the activity of fishing, it is often used with verbs like 'betreiben' (to engage in/practice) or in fixed expressions like 'vom Fischfang leben' (to live off fishing).
Viele Familien an der Küste leben vom Fischfang.
Many families on the coast live off fishing.
When the amount of fish caught is meant, 'Fischfang' (catch) often appears as the subject with the verb 'sein' (to be) and an adjective that evaluates the quantity or quality.
Wegen des Sturms war der Fischfang gleich null.
Because of the storm, the catch was zero.
catch / fang
'der Fang' and 'der Fischfang' can both have to do with caught fish. 'Fang' is more general: it can refer to the animals caught or to the act of catching, not only with fish. 'Fischfang' is more specific and means only catching fish or the amount of fish caught. The words can be confused when talking about angling or fishing. When it is clearly about fish, 'Fischfang' is often more precise. 'Fang' fits when you are talking generally about the result or also mean other animals.
In diesem Gebiet ist der Fischfang im Frühjahr nur mit Erlaubnis erlaubt.
In this area, fishing in spring is only allowed with a permit.
Nach drei Stunden auf dem See war der Fang der Fischer überraschend klein.
After three hours on the lake, the fishermen's catch was surprisingly small.