nun / nun moth
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nun
A woman who lives in a monastery as a member of a religious community (order) and has committed herself through vows to a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
Die Nonnen des Klosters widmen ihr Leben dem Gebet und der Hilfe für Bedürftige.
The nuns of the monastery devote their lives to prayer and helping those in need.
nun moth
A moth whose caterpillars can cause significant damage, especially in coniferous forests.
Der Förster entdeckte einen starken Befall durch die Nonne in einem Fichtenwald.
The forester discovered a severe infestation of nun moths in a spruce forest.
This word has two very different meanings. The context makes clear what is meant: in connection with religion, church, or monastery, it refers to the woman. In the context of forests, trees, insects, or damage, it refers to the moth.
Die alte Kirche wird von nur noch drei Nonnen betreut.
The old church is now looked after by only three nuns.
When referring to the woman in a religious order, 'Nonne' (nun) is often combined with verbs like 'werden' (to become) or 'sein' (to be), and places like 'Kloster' (monastery/convent). Typical phrases are 'ins Kloster gehen' (to enter a convent/monastery), 'Nonne werden' (to become a nun), or 'als Nonne leben' (to live as a nun).
Sie hat sich schon in jungen Jahren entschieden, Nonne zu werden.
She decided to become a nun at a young age.
In the biological meaning, 'die Nonne' (the nun moth) is often used in connection with negative effects on the forest. Common phrases are 'Befall durch die Nonne' (infestation by the nun moth) or 'Schäden durch die Nonne' (damage caused by the nun moth).
Der Wald leidet unter einem starken Befall durch die Nonne.
The forest is suffering from a severe infestation of nun moths.
sister
Schwester can generally refer to a female member of a religious community or order, and it is also used as an internal term or form of address. Nonne refers more specifically to a woman who lives in a monastery and is bound by religious vows. Use „Schwester“ for the general or personal designation, and „Nonne“ for this particular way of life.
Die Nonne lebt seit vielen Jahren mit anderen Frauen in einem Kloster.
The nun has lived with other women in a monastery for many years.
Die Schwester begrüßte die Besucherinnen am Eingang des Ordens.
The sister welcomed the female visitors at the entrance to the order's building.
