01
der Floh
flea
A small, wingless, jumping insect that feeds on the blood of mammals and birds.
example
Die Katze hat einen Floh, wir müssen sie behandeln.
The cat has a flea; we need to treat her.
der Floh
flea
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Floh' (flea) is the first part of the well-known word 'der Flohmarkt' (flea market). Originally, people thought that old clothes were sold at such markets that might have fleas in them.
EXAMPLE
Am Sonntag gehe ich gerne über den Flohmarkt, um alte Bücher zu suchen.
On Sundays I like to walk around the flea market to look for old books.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'jemandem einen Floh ins Ohr setzen' (to plant an idea in someone's head) has a fixed structure. The person who gets the idea is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mir mit dem Vorschlag, ein Haus zu bauen, einen Floh ins Ohr gesetzt.
He planted an idea in my head with the suggestion of building a house.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'der Floh' (the flea) is often used in the plural ('Flöhe', fleas) and in connection with pets such as dogs or cats.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen zum Tierarzt, unser Hund hat Flöhe.
We need to go to the vet; our dog has fleas.
Compare with
Floh vs Mücke
mosquito
'der Floh' and 'die Mücke' are both small animals that can sting or bite people or animals. They are therefore easy to confuse if you are only thinking of itchy spots. But the difference is clear: a flea jumps and often lives on animals or near them. A mosquito flies and bites especially outdoors or at night. If something is buzzing in the room, it is more likely to be 'die Mücke'. If a dog or cat keeps scratching, you are more likely to think of fleas.
Floh
Nach dem Spaziergang hat der Hund einen Floh im Fell.
After the walk, the dog has a flea in its fur.
Mücke
Im Park hat mich eine Mücke am Arm gestochen.
In the park, a mosquito bit me on the arm.
In real life
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