creature
Loading your saved state.
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.
'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
'das Wesen' and 'die Kreatur' can both refer to a living being or a special figure. 'Wesen' is broader and often more neutral: it can be a human, an animal, or an invented figure. 'Kreatur' sounds stronger and often has a particular tone. It can sound pitying, solemn, or even derogatory, depending on the context. Learners may confuse the words because both can be used for living beings that are not named precisely. In everyday language, 'Wesen' is usually more cautious and neutral. 'Kreatur' is used more when a particular feeling is implied, for example pity or disparagement.
Die verletzte Kreatur lag zitternd am Rand des Weges.
The injured creature lay trembling at the side of the path.
Das Kind malte ein freundliches Wesen mit großen Augen.
The child drew a friendly being with big eyes.