01
der Hummer
lobster
A large crustacean with claws that lives in the sea and is considered a delicacy.
example
Im Restaurant bestellten wir Hummer mit Knoblauchbutter.
At the restaurant, we ordered lobster with garlic butter.
der Hummer
lobster / Hummer
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can always tell from context whether the animal or the car is meant. In conversations about food, cooking, or sea creatures, it means the crustacean. In the context of traffic, cars, and luxury, it means the vehicle.
EXAMPLE
Für das Abendessen kochen wir heute den Hummer.
We're cooking the lobster for dinner today.
Typical collocations
When referring to the animal, 'Hummer' (lobster) is often combined with verbs related to eating and preparation: 'Hummer essen' (to eat lobster), 'Hummer bestellen' (to order lobster), or 'Hummer kochen' (to cook lobster).
EXAMPLE
In diesem Fischrestaurant kann man frischen Hummer essen.
You can eat fresh lobster at this seafood restaurant.
Typical collocations
When the car is meant, typical verbs are 'fahren' (to drive) or 'besitzen' (to own). The vehicle is also often described by its size, e.g. as a 'riesiger Hummer' (huge Hummer).
EXAMPLE
Er träumt davon, einmal einen Hummer zu fahren.
He dreams of driving a Hummer one day.
Compare with
Hummer vs Krebs
cancer / crab
'Krebs' and 'Hummer' can both refer to animals with shells and claws. 'Krebs' is more general and can mean various crustaceans, including smaller species in the water. 'Hummer' is a specific large species that lives in the sea and is often considered expensive food. Learners may confuse the words because biologically, a lobster belongs to the crustaceans. In everyday language, however, you do not call every 'Krebs' a 'Hummer'. When you mean the large sea animal or the dish, 'Hummer' is more precise.
Hummer
Auf der Feier gab es Hummer, aber nicht alle Gäste wollten ihn probieren.
There was lobster at the celebration, but not all the guests wanted to try it.
Krebs
Im Sommer sehen die Kinder am Bach einen kleinen Krebs unter einem Stein.
In summer, the children see a small crayfish under a stone by the stream.
In real life
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