carnation / clove
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carnation
A widespread ornamental plant with characteristically fragrant flowers, often used as a cut flower. It is also known as a garden carnation or border carnation.
Zum Muttertag hat er seiner Mutter einen Strauß roter Nelken geschenkt.
For Mother's Day, he gave his mother a bouquet of red carnations.
clove
The dried flower bud of the clove tree, used as a strongly aromatic spice in cooking, especially for winter dishes and baked goods. It is also called 'Gewürznelke' (clove).
Für den Glühwein brauchen wir Zimtstangen und ganze Nelken.
For the mulled wine, we need cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.
You can always tell from context whether the flower or the spice is meant. In connection with gardens, bouquets, or decoration, it means the flower. In the kitchen or when talking about cooking and baking, it refers to the spice.
Ich habe neue Nelken für das Blumenbeet gekauft.
I bought new carnations for the flower bed.
When referring to the flower, 'Nelke' (carnation) is often used in combinations such as 'ein Strauß Nelken' (a bouquet of carnations), 'rote/weiße Nelken' (red/white carnations), or as a 'Schnittblume' (cut flower).
Ein einfacher Strauß Nelken kann sehr elegant aussehen.
A simple bouquet of carnations can look very elegant.
As a spice, 'Nelke' (clove) is often used with verbs like 'würzen' (to season) or in combinations such as 'ganze Nelken' (whole cloves) or 'gemahlene Nelken' (ground cloves). It is a typical ingredient in winter recipes.
Der Lebkuchen wird mit Zimt und gemahlenen Nelken gewürzt.
The gingerbread is seasoned with cinnamon and ground cloves.
