01
die Maus
mouse
A small rodent with a long tail, often regarded as a pest.
example
Die Katze hat eine Maus gefangen und sie vor die Tür gelegt.
The cat caught a mouse and laid it in front of the door.
die Maus
mouse
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The four main meanings of 'Maus' (mouse) are very different. The context always makes clear what is meant: 'klicken' (to click) and 'Computer' (computer) for the device, 'Katze' (cat) and 'Falle' (trap) for the animal, and 'meine kleine' (my little) for the pet name.
EXAMPLE
Meine neue Computer-Maus hat sieben Tasten.
My new computer mouse has seven buttons.
Typical collocations
In the computer context, typical expressions are 'mit der Maus klicken' (to click with the mouse), 'die rechte/linke Maustaste' (the right/left mouse button), and 'eine kabellose Maus' (a wireless mouse). The word 'Mauszeiger' (mouse pointer) refers to the symbol on the screen.
EXAMPLE
Du musst mit der rechten Maustaste auf das Symbol klicken.
You have to click on the icon with the right mouse button.
Register: pet name
As a pet name, 'Maus' (sweetie/little mouse) is very informal and affectionate. It is used for male or female partners or small children, but never in a formal or professional setting.
EXAMPLE
„Hallo meine Maus, wie war dein Tag?“, fragte er seine Freundin.
'Hello, my sweetie, how was your day?' he asked his girlfriend.
Fixed expression
The term for a shy person is almost always used in the fixed expression 'eine graue Maus' (a gray mouse / wallflower). The adjective 'grau' (gray) is a fixed part of the idiom here.
EXAMPLE
Sie galt lange als graue Maus, bis sie bei der Firmenfeier alle mit ihrem Gesang überraschte.
She was long considered a gray mouse until she surprised everyone with her singing at the company party.
Compare with
Maus vs Schatz
darling / treasure
'Schatz' and 'Maus' can both be affectionate pet names for people. 'Schatz' is very general and works for partners, children, or other loved ones. 'Maus' often sounds especially tender and is frequently used for children or female partners. Both words belong more in private, familiar situations. You would normally not use them in a formal conversation. 'Schatz' emphasizes more strongly that someone is very dear and precious; 'Maus' sounds softer and cuter.
Maus
Die Mutter sagt zu ihrer Tochter: „Schlaf gut, kleine Maus.“
The mother says to her daughter, "Sleep well, my little sweetie."
Schatz
Komm bitte kurz her, Schatz, ich brauche deine Hilfe.
Please come here for a moment, darling, I need your help.
In real life
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