01
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
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Meanings
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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 Honig
honey
'Honig' and 'Nektar' are closely connected because bees make honey from nectar. Even so, they do not mean the same thing. Nectar is the sweet juice in flowers that bees collect. Honey is the finished product that bees make from it and that people eat. The words can be confused because both are sweet and have to do with bees and flowers. A simple guide is: in the flower, there is nectar; in the jar or on bread, there is honey.
Nektar
Im Sommer sammeln die Bienen Nektar aus den Blüten.
In summer, the bees collect nectar from the flowers.
Honig
Das Kind rührt Honig in den warmen Tee.
The child stirs honey into the warm tea.
In real life
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