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das Lamm
lamb
A young sheep, usually in its first year of life.
example
Auf der Weide sprang ein neugeborenes Lamm um seine Mutter herum.
A newborn lamb was jumping around its mother in the pasture.
das Lamm
lamb
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
'Lamm' (lamb) can refer to the living animal or to the meat as food. The context makes the difference: words such as 'Weide' (pasture) or 'Herde' (herd) refer to the animal, while verbs such as 'essen' (to eat) or 'braten' (to roast) refer to the dish.
EXAMPLE
Die Lämmer spielen auf der grünen Wiese.
The lambs are playing in the green meadow.
Cultural context
In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, lamb is a traditional Easter dish. For this reason, the word appears especially often in recipes and on menus in spring.
EXAMPLE
Bestellen wir das Lamm als Osteressen vor?
Should we order the lamb for Easter dinner in advance?
Fixed expression
The expression 'still (oder sanft) wie ein Lamm' (quiet/gentle as a lamb) describes a person who is very calm, innocent, and defenseless. The form is usually unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Obwohl er ungerecht behandelt wurde, blieb er still wie ein Lamm.
Although he was treated unfairly, he remained quiet as a lamb.
Religious symbol
The expression 'Lamm Gottes' (Lamb of God; Latin: Agnus Dei) is a central symbol in Christianity for Jesus Christ. You will find this term in churches, religious art, and music.
EXAMPLE
Im Gottesdienst sang der Chor das „Agnus Dei“, das Lied vom Lamm Gottes.
During the church service, the choir sang the 'Agnus Dei,' the song of the Lamb of God.
Compare with
Lamm vs Schaf
sheep
'das Schaf' and 'das Lamm' both belong to the same animal category. A 'Schaf' is the general animal, so it can also be an adult animal. A 'Lamm' is a young sheep. Learners may confuse the words because a lamb is also a sheep. If age is important, 'Lamm' is more precise. If you are only talking about the animal species, 'Schaf' fits better.
Lamm
Im Frühling läuft ein kleines Lamm neben seiner Mutter her.
In spring, a little lamb walks beside its mother.
Schaf
Auf der Wiese steht ein Schaf mit dicker weißer Wolle.
There is a sheep with thick white wool standing in the meadow.
In real life
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