griffin / bird of prey
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griffin
A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.
Der Greif ist ein häufiges Symbol auf Wappen und in der antiken Mythologie.
The griffin is a common symbol on coats of arms and in ancient mythology.
The word 'Greif' (griffin / bird of prey) is closely related to the verb 'greifen' (to grab). This connection describes the characteristic action of both the mythical creature and the predatory bird: gripping or seizing powerfully.
Der Adler kann seine Beute im Flug greifen.
The eagle can grab its prey in flight.
The context makes the meaning clear: if people are talking about mythology, mythical creatures, or coats of arms, the hybrid creature is meant. In poetic or old texts about nature, the predatory bird may be meant.
In der Fantasy-Geschichte kämpfte der Held gegen einen Greif.
In the fantasy story, the hero fought against a griffin.
As a mythical creature, the griffin is often referred to as a 'Wappentier' (heraldic animal), 'Mischwesen' (hybrid creature), or 'Fabeltier' (mythical animal). It is often considered a symbol of strength and vigilance.
Der Greif ist das Wappentier der Stadt.
The griffin is the city's heraldic animal.
The use of 'Greif' (bird of prey) for a predatory bird is outdated and poetic. In normal usage, you would instead say 'Greifvogel' (bird of prey), 'Adler' (eagle), or 'Falke' (falcon).
Am Himmel zog ein einsamer Greif seine Bahn.
A solitary bird of prey made its way across the sky.
eagle
'der Adler' and 'der Greif' can both be connected with large birds of prey. 'der Adler' is the normal word for a real bird with a strong beak and talons. 'der Greif' usually means a mythical creature with a lion's body and an eagle's head. Only in older or poetic language can 'Greif' also mean a large bird of prey. Learners may confuse the words because 'Greif' is reminiscent of 'Greifvogel' (bird of prey). In everyday language, however, you say 'Adler' for the real bird; 'Greif' fits more with fairy tales, coats of arms, or old-fashioned language.
Auf dem alten Wappen sieht man einen Greif mit Flügeln und Löwenkörper.
On the old coat of arms, you can see a griffin with wings and a lion's body.
In den Bergen kreist ein Adler hoch über dem Tal.
In the mountains, an eagle circles high above the valley.