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das Monster
monster
A frightening, often ugly and large mythical creature.
example
In vielen alten Sagen kämpft ein Held gegen ein schreckliches Monster.
In many old legends, a hero fights against a terrible monster.
das Monster
monster
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
Whether 'Monster' (monster) means a mythical creature, a cruel person, or something large is revealed by the context. Mythical creatures appear in stories, cruel people in reports about crimes, and large things often in connection with technology or performance.
EXAMPLE
Im Märchen besiegt der Prinz das Monster.
In the fairy tale, the prince defeats the monster.
Typical adjectives
In the meaning of a mythical creature, 'Monster' (monster) is often combined with strong adjectives that express fear or horror. Typical combinations are 'ein schreckliches Monster' (a terrible monster), 'ein furchtbares Monster' (a dreadful monster), or 'ein gruseliges Monster' (a creepy monster).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder hatten Angst vor dem gruseligen Monster unter dem Bett.
The children were afraid of the creepy monster under the bed.
Metaphorical use
When a person is described as a 'Monster' (monster), this happens in a context of extreme cruelty or inhumanity. The formulation 'jemanden als Monster bezeichnen' (to call someone a monster) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Nach seinen Taten wurde er in der Presse als Monster dargestellt.
After his actions, he was portrayed as a monster in the press.
Colloquial use
Colloquially, 'Monster' (monster) can describe something very large, powerful, or complicated. It is often intensified by words like 'echt' (real/really) or 'wirklich' (really), and here it can have an impressed or even approving connotation.
EXAMPLE
Sein neuer Gaming-PC ist ein echtes Monster.
His new gaming PC is a real monster.
Compare with
Monster vs Tier
animal
'das Tier' and 'das Monster' can both refer to something non-human or wild. But 'das Tier' is a normal word for a real living creature, for example a dog, bird, or fish. 'das Monster' is more likely to mean a frightening mythical creature or, figuratively, an extremely cruel person. Learners may confuse the words because both can seem unlike a normal human being. For real animals, you almost always use 'Tier'. 'Monster' fits when something is frightening, seems very unusual, or is morally very terrible.
Monster
In dem alten Film versteckt sich ein Monster unter der Brücke.
In the old film, a monster hides under the bridge.
Tier
Im Park läuft ein kleines Tier schnell durch das Gras.
In the park, a small animal runs quickly through the grass.
In real life
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