nymph
die Nymphe, die Nymphen
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nymph
A female nature deity in Greek and Roman mythology associated with particular places or natural phenomena.
Der Sage nach lebte die Nymphe in einer Quelle im Wald.
According to legend, the nymph lived in a spring in the forest.
nymph
A developmental stage of certain insects with incomplete metamorphosis. It already resembles the adult insect but is not yet sexually mature.
Die Nymphe der Heuschrecke häutet sich mehrmals, bevor sie erwachsen ist.
The grasshopper nymph molts several times before it becomes an adult.
nymph
A young woman, usually portrayed as beautiful; this meaning is now mainly poetic or figurative.
Der Dichter beschrieb die junge Frau als anmutige Nymphe.
The poet described the young woman as a graceful nymph.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Nymphen |
| genitive | der Nymphe |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Nymphe | die Nymphen |
| accusative | die Nymphe | die Nymphen |
| dative | der Nymphe | den Nymphen |
| genitive | der Nymphe | der Nymphen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The intended meaning can usually be recognized from the surrounding context: words from mythology or nature poetry point to the legendary figure, while technical terms from entomology point to an insect's developmental stage.
In der Erzählung begegnet der Held einer Nymphe im Wald.
In the story, the hero encounters a nymph in the forest.
Die Biologin untersuchte die Nymphe unter dem Mikroskop.
The biologist examined the nymph under a microscope.
In mythological texts, 'Nymphe' (nymph) often appears together with landscapes, springs, forests, or individual forces of nature. The nymph is often characterized by a more specific description, such as 'Waldnymphe' (wood nymph) or 'Quellnymphe' (water nymph).
Die Nymphe soll den Reisenden den Weg gezeigt haben.
The nymph is said to have shown the travelers the way.
In entomology, people often refer to the 'Nymphenstadium' (nymphal stage) or to several molts of the nymph. These combinations show that the word is being used as a technical term for an insect's development.
Bei der Nymphe der Wanze sind die Flügel erst als kleine Anlagen zu erkennen.
In the bug nymph, the wings are only visible as small buds.
The figurative meaning belongs mainly to poetic or elaborate language. It often appears in descriptions that emphasize beauty, grace, or a special connection with nature.
Im Gedicht erscheint die Tänzerin als Nymphe des Frühlings.
In the poem, the dancer appears as a nymph of spring.
