der Nektar
nectar
The sugary juice that flowering plants secrete to attract animals such as bees and butterflies for pollination.
EXAMPLE
Die Biene sammelt Nektar von den Blüten.
The bee collects nectar from the flowers.
der Nektar
nectar
der Nektar, die Nektare
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Meanings
der Nektar
nectar
In a figurative sense, a particularly delicious and pleasant-tasting drink. In Greek mythology, it was the drink of the gods.
EXAMPLE
Dieser frisch gepresste Orangensaft schmeckt wie reiner Nektar.
This freshly squeezed orange juice tastes like pure nectar.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Nektar, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Nektare |
| genitive | des Nektars |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Nektar | die Nektare |
| accusative | den Nektar | die Nektare |
| dative | dem Nektar | den Nektaren |
| genitive | des Nektars | der Nektare |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Nektar' (nectar) is easy to recognize from context. If it is about plants, bees, or insects, it refers to flower nectar. If it is about the taste of a drink, the figurative meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Schmetterlinge saugen Nektar aus den Blüten.
Butterflies suck nectar from the flowers.
Typical collocations
In a biological context, nectar is 'collected' or 'sucked' by insects such as bees or butterflies. Flowers 'produce', 'contain', or 'secrete' nectar.
EXAMPLE
Die Bienen sammeln den Nektar und machen daraus Honig.
The bees collect the nectar and make honey from it.
Register and style
In the figurative meaning, 'Nektar' (nectar) is an expressive and elevated term. It is often used as an exaggeration (hyperbole) to emphasize how delicious a drink is.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung war das kühle Wasser für uns wie Nektar.
After the long hike, the cool water was like nectar to us.
Compare with
Nektar vs Saft
juice / power
Here, „Saft“ neutrally refers to a drink made from fruit. „Nektar“ can also mean a drink, but it is then a figurative, positive term for something especially delicious. „Saft“ is the right choice for the normal product name; „Nektar“ emphasizes the special enjoyment.
Nektar
Nach der Wanderung nennt Lea den kalten Pfirsichsaft einen köstlichen Nektar.
After the hike, Lea calls the cold peach juice a delicious nectar.
Saft
Nach der Wanderung trinkt Lea einen kalten Pfirsichsaft.
After the hike, Lea drinks a cold peach juice.
In real life
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