native / at home
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native
Originally occurring in a particular geographic area; indigenous, referring to plants and animals.
Der Feuersalamander ist in den feuchten Wäldern Mitteleuropas heimisch.
The fire salamander is native to the damp forests of Central Europe.
The adjective 'heimisch' (native/at home) is derived from 'das Heim' (home) and 'die Heimat' (homeland/home region). It always describes a connection to a place of origin or a place where one feels at home.
Nach vielen Jahren im Ausland kehrte er in seine Heimat zurück.
After many years abroad, he returned to his homeland.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the subject: If it is about plants or animals, geographic origin is meant. If it is about a person, the feeling of being at home is meant.
Diese Apfelsorte ist hier nicht heimisch.
This apple variety is not native here.
To name the place of origin of plants or animals, the preposition 'in' is used with the dative. The structure is: something is 'in' a region 'heimisch' (native).
Der Biber ist wieder in vielen deutschen Flüssen heimisch.
The beaver is once again native to many German rivers.
To express the feeling of being at home, 'heimisch' (at home) is almost always combined with the reflexive verb 'sich fühlen' (to feel). Another common expression is 'heimisch werden' (to become settled / to feel at home).
Ich fühle mich in dieser Stadt noch nicht richtig heimisch.
I don't really feel at home in this city yet.
at home
'daheim' and 'heimisch' can both have something to do with home, homeland, or familiarity. 'daheim' is an adverb and says where someone is: at home or back home in their homeland. For example, you say that someone stays 'daheim'. 'heimisch' is an adjective and describes that someone feels at home in a place. For animals and plants, 'heimisch' also means that they originally occur in an area. The words can be confused because they look similar. A practical tip: 'daheim' often answers the question 'Where?', while 'heimisch' describes a person, an animal, or a plant.
Der Fuchs ist in vielen Teilen Europas heimisch.
The fox is native to many parts of Europe.
Am Sonntag bleibt Nele daheim und kocht für ihre Familie.
On Sunday, Nele stays at home and cooks for her family.