01
die Nachtigall
nightingale
A small songbird known for its melodic and complex song, which is often heard at night.
example
Im Frühling kann man im Park die Nachtigall singen hören.
In spring, you can hear the nightingale singing in the park.
die Nachtigall
nightingale
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The name 'Nachtigall' (nightingale) comes from Old High German. It is made up of 'Nacht' (night) and 'galan', which means 'to sing'. So a Nachtigall is literally a 'night singer'.
EXAMPLE
Der Gesang der Nachtigall ist besonders schön.
The song of the nightingale is especially beautiful.
Typical verbs
When describing the song of the nightingale, you don't only say that it 'singt' (sings). A very typical and poetic verb for this is 'schlagen' (to sing/trill). The song itself is also called 'Nachtigallenschlag' (nightingale song).
EXAMPLE
Hör mal, im Garten schlägt eine Nachtigall!
Listen, there's a nightingale singing in the garden!
Figurative meaning
The term 'Nachtigall' (nightingale) is often used as an honorary nickname for female singers with an exceptional voice. It is a great compliment.
EXAMPLE
Die Kritiker feierten die junge Sängerin als die neue „Nachtigall“ der Oper.
The critics celebrated the young singer as the new “nightingale” of opera.
Context clue
Whether the bird or a person is meant can be recognized from context. If people are talking about nature, birds, or spring, the bird is meant. If it is about music, singing, and a person, the metaphorical meaning is likely.
EXAMPLE
Man nennt sie wegen ihrer klaren Stimme die „Nachtigall von Berlin“.
Because of her clear voice, she is called the “Nightingale of Berlin.”
Compare with
Nachtigall vs Sänger
singer
'der Sänger' and 'die Nachtigall' both have to do with beautiful singing. 'der Sänger' is usually a person who sings, for example professionally or on a stage. The word can also generally refer to a songbird. 'die Nachtigall' is first of all a specific small bird with an especially beautiful song. Figuratively, you can also call a person with a very beautiful voice this, often in a somewhat poetic or praising way. Learners may confuse the words because both are connected with singing. For a person on stage, you usually say 'Sänger'. For the bird or a poetic comparison, 'Nachtigall' fits.
Nachtigall
Im Garten hörten wir am Abend eine Nachtigall singen.
In the garden, we heard a nightingale singing in the evening.
Sänger
Der Sänger kam nach dem Konzert noch einmal auf die Bühne zurück.
The singer came back onto the stage once more after the concert.
In real life
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