01
das Nest
nest
A structure built by birds in order to lay eggs and raise their young.
example
Im Frühling bauen die Amseln ihr Nest in unserer Hecke.
In spring, the blackbirds build their nest in our hedge.
das Nest
nest
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical verbs
In connection with birds, 'Nest' (nest) is often used with the verbs 'bauen' (to build), 'verlassen' (to leave), or 'brüten' (to brood/incubate). Birds lay their eggs 'ins Nest' (into the nest), and the young grow up 'im Nest' (in the nest).
EXAMPLE
Im Kirschbaum hat ein Vogelpaar ein Nest gebaut.
A pair of birds built a nest in the cherry tree.
Positive imagery
In a figurative sense, 'Nest' (nest) is used positively for a cozy and safe home. The fixed phrase for this is 'sich ein Nest bauen' (to build oneself a nest), and it means to create a homey place to live.
EXAMPLE
Mit der neuen Wohnung wollen sie sich endlich ein gemütliches Nest bauen.
With the new apartment, they finally want to build themselves a cozy nest.
Register and style
When 'Nest' (nest/backwater) describes a place, it is colloquial and almost always derogatory. It refers to a small, boring, and remote village or small town.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin froh, dass ich zum Studieren aus diesem Nest wegziehen konnte.
I'm glad I was able to move away from that backwater to study.
Context clue: insects
In connection with insects or reptiles, 'Nest' (nest) refers to their structure or shelter. It often has a warning or negative connotation, as in 'Wespennest' (wasp nest), 'Hornissennest' (hornet nest), or 'Schlangennest' (snake nest).
EXAMPLE
Sei vorsichtig, unter dem Dach ist ein großes Wespennest.
Be careful, there is a large wasp nest under the roof.
Compare with
Nest vs Bau
construction / building
'der Bau' and 'das Nest' can both refer to a dwelling or shelter for animals. However, they fit different animals and forms. 'der Bau' usually means a protected or underground place, for example for foxes or badgers. 'das Nest' is used especially for birds, where they lay eggs and raise their young; it can also fit some small animals or insects. The words are easy to confuse because both refer to animal homes. As a simple guide: foxes live in a 'Bau' (den / burrow), birds sit in a 'Nest' (nest).
Nest
Unter dem Dach bauen die Schwalben jedes Jahr ein Nest.
The swallows build a nest under the roof every year.
Bau
Am Waldrand haben die Kinder den Bau eines Fuchses entdeckt.
At the edge of the forest, the children discovered a fox's den.
In real life
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