A genus of plants with striking flowers, often red, white, or violet. Certain species are cultivated to obtain seeds for food or to produce opium.
example
Im Sommer blüht auf dem Feld am Wegesrand leuchtend roter Mohn.
In summer, bright red poppies bloom in the field by the roadside.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Mohn' (poppy/poppy seeds) from the context. If people are talking about fields, flowers, or blooming, the plant is meant. If it is about cake, rolls, or baking, the seeds are meant.
EXAMPLE
Im Garten meiner Oma blüht jedes Jahr wunderschöner Mohn.
Beautiful poppies bloom in my grandma's garden every year.
Typical collocations
When the plant is meant, 'Mohn' (poppy) is often combined with colors like 'rot' (red) or 'weiß' (white). Typical verbs are 'blühen' (to bloom) and 'wachsen' (to grow), often in connection with 'Feld' (field) or 'Wiese' (meadow).
EXAMPLE
Die weiten Felder mit dem roten Mohn sind ein beliebtes Fotomotiv.
The wide fields with the red poppies are a popular photo subject.
Productive compounds
When the seeds are meant, 'Mohn' (poppy seeds) is a very productive component of compound words for baked goods. Examples are 'der Mohnkuchen' (poppy seed cake), 'das Mohnbrötchen' (poppy seed roll), 'der Mohnstrudel' (poppy seed strudel), or 'die Mohnschnecke' (poppy seed pastry swirl).
EXAMPLE
Zum Frühstück esse ich am liebsten ein frisches Mohnbrötchen mit Butter.
For breakfast, my favorite thing to eat is a fresh poppy seed roll with butter.