creature
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creature
A living being, whether human or animal, often with the undertone of having been created or of being dependent. It can sound neutral, reverent, or pitying.
Alle Kreaturen der Erde verdienen unseren Schutz.
All creatures of the earth deserve our protection.
creature
A derogatory term for a person who is completely dependent on and controlled by another person or power; a puppet.
Der Diktator umgab sich nur noch mit willfährigen Kreaturen.
The dictator surrounded himself only with compliant creatures.
'Kreatur' (creature) derives from the Latin 'creatura', meaning 'creature' or 'created being'. The basic idea is therefore a living being that was created. This explains the often slightly religious or philosophical undertone.
In dem Gedicht wird der Mensch als zerbrechliche Kreatur beschrieben.
In the poem, the human being is described as a fragile creature.
In the general meaning 'Lebewesen' (living being), 'Kreatur' (creature) belongs more to elevated or literary language. In everyday speech, one would usually say 'Tier' (animal) or 'Lebewesen' (living being).
Der Roman beschreibt die fantastischsten Kreaturen.
The novel describes the most fantastic creatures.
When 'Kreatur' (creature) is meant to express pity, it is often combined with adjectives such as 'arme' (poor), 'gequälte' (tormented), or 'elende' (wretched).
Der Hund war eine zitternde, arme Kreatur, als wir ihn fanden.
The dog was a trembling, poor creature when we found him.
In the negative meaning 'Marionette' (puppet), the controlling power is often connected with the genitive or with 'von' (of/by). This makes the dependency clear.
Er war nur eine Kreatur des Ministers und hatte keine eigene Meinung.
He was only a creature of the minister and had no opinion of his own.
essence / being
Wesen refers neutrally to a living being. Kreatur can mean the same thing, but it often emphasizes that the living being was created or is dependent on others, which can make the word sound pitying or reverent. Without this particular perspective, Wesen is more appropriate.
Im engen Käfig saß eine hilflose Kreatur, die völlig von ihrem Besitzer abhängig war.
A helpless creature sat in the cramped cage, completely dependent on its owner.
Im Garten bewegte sich ein unbekanntes Wesen zwischen den Büschen.
An unknown creature moved among the bushes in the garden.
