01
der Papagei
parrot
An often brightly colored bird from tropical regions, known for its ability to imitate sounds and human speech.
example
Der Papagei im Zoo konnte mehrere Sätze sprechen.
The parrot at the zoo could say several sentences.
der Papagei
parrot
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The figurative meaning 'Person, die alles nachspricht' (person who repeats everything) is often used as a reproach or criticism. You can recognize it when the topic is opinions and communication, not a real bird.
EXAMPLE
Denk doch mal selbst nach und sei nicht so ein Papagei!
Think for yourself for once and don't be such a parrot!
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Papagei' (parrot) is often combined with verbs like 'nachplappern' (to parrot/repeat mindlessly) or 'gedankenlos wiederholen' (to repeat mindlessly). These verbs reinforce the idea of meaningless repetition.
EXAMPLE
Er plappert nur nach, was er in den Nachrichten hört, wie ein Papagei.
He just parrots what he hears on the news, like a parrot.
Typical ability
When referring to the bird, its ability to speak is often discussed. Typical verbs in this context are 'sprechen' (to speak), 'nachahmen' (to imitate), or 'wiederholen' (to repeat).
EXAMPLE
Ihr Papagei kann seinen eigenen Namen wiederholen.
Her parrot can repeat its own name.
Compare with
Papagei vs Mitläufer
follower / also-ran
'der Mitläufer' and 'der Papagei' can both describe a person who does not think or act independently. You use 'Mitläufer' when someone follows a group or movement without really being convinced. So it is about conformity and behavior in a group. 'Papagei' is meant figuratively when someone only repeats what others say without understanding it or having an opinion of their own. The words can be confused because both sound negative and show a lack of an independent position. 'Mitläufer' fits more with actions and groups, while 'Papagei' fits more with repeating words.
Papagei
Julian wiederholt nur die Sätze aus dem Internet und klingt dabei wie ein Papagei.
Julian just repeats sentences from the internet and sounds like a parrot.
Mitläufer
In der Klasse wollte Paul kein Mitläufer sein und sagte offen seine Meinung.
In class, Paul did not want to be a follower and openly said what he thought.
In real life
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