der Löwe
lion
A large, powerful big cat that lives mainly in Africa and is known for the male's mane.
EXAMPLE
Im Zoo brüllte der Löwe so laut, dass alle erschraken.
At the zoo, the lion roared so loudly that everyone was startled.
der Löwe
lion
der Löwe, die Löwen
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Meanings
der Löwe
Leo
A person born under the zodiac sign Leo, between July 23 and August 23.
EXAMPLE
Laut Horoskop sind Menschen, die im Sternzeichen Löwe geboren sind, oft sehr selbstbewusst.
According to the horoscope, people born under the sign of Leo are often very self-confident.
der Löwe
lion
Figuratively, a particularly brave, strong, and combative person.
EXAMPLE
In der Debatte hat er wie ein Löwe für seine Überzeugungen gekämpft.
In the debate, he fought like a lion for his convictions.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Löwe, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Löwen |
| genitive | des Löwen |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Löwe | die Löwen |
| accusative | den Löwen | die Löwen |
| dative | dem Löwen | den Löwen |
| genitive | des Löwen | der Löwen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Grammar trap: N-declension
'Der Löwe' (the lion) is a weak masculine noun (N-declension). This means it takes the ending '-n' in all cases except the nominative singular. This is a common source of mistakes.
EXAMPLE
Der Dompteur füttert den Löwen.
The animal trainer feeds the lion.
Das Kind schaut dem Löwen fasziniert zu.
The child watches the lion with fascination.
Context clue
The meaning 'zodiac sign' can be recognized by signal words such as 'Sternzeichen' (star sign), 'Tierkreiszeichen' (zodiac sign), 'Horoskop' (horoscope), or when a date of birth is being discussed.
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder ist Löwe und feiert im August Geburtstag.
My brother is a Leo and celebrates his birthday in August.
Fixed expression
The figurative meaning is very often used in the comparison 'kämpfen wie ein Löwe' (to fight like a lion). This describes a person who fights for something very bravely and with full commitment.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft hat bis zur letzten Minute wie ein Löwe gekämpft.
The team fought like lions until the last minute.
In real life
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