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.
bird of prey
An outdated or poetic term for a large predatory bird, especially a bird of prey such as an eagle or falcon.
Majestätisch zog der Greif seine Kreise hoch über dem Tal.
Majestically, the bird of prey circled high above the valley.
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The use of 'Greif' (bird of prey) for a predatory bird is outdated and poetic.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.
