der Parasit
parasite
A living organism that lives on or in another organism (the host) and feeds off it, which harms the host.
EXAMPLE
Die Zecke ist ein Parasit, der Krankheiten übertragen kann.
The tick is a parasite that can transmit diseases.
der Parasit
parasite
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Meanings
der Parasit
parasite
A derogatory term for a person who lives at the expense of others and exploits their efforts without contributing anything themselves.
EXAMPLE
Er fühlte sich wie ein Parasit, weil er seit Monaten von dem Geld seiner Eltern lebte.
He felt like a parasite because he had been living off his parents' money for months.
Usage tips
N-declension
'Parasit' (parasite) is a masculine noun of the N-declension. This means that it takes the ending '-en' in the genitive, dative, and accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Biologin beobachtet das Verhalten des Parasiten.
The biologist observes the behavior of the parasite.
Context clue
You can recognize the biological meaning from topics such as medicine, nature, or animals. You can recognize the derogatory meaning for a person from the social context, often in connection with criticism of behavior.
EXAMPLE
Der Fisch ist von einem Parasiten befallen.
The fish is infested with a parasite.
Strongly derogatory
Using the word 'Parasit' (parasite) for a person is a very strong insult. It expresses that someone is seen as harmful to the community.
EXAMPLE
Ihn als Parasiten der Gesellschaft zu bezeichnen, ist extrem verletzend.
Calling him a parasite on society is extremely hurtful.
Compare with
Parasit vs Zecke
tick
For a person who lives at the expense of others, Parasit and Zecke are both derogatory terms that can fit. Parasit can sound more factual or formal, whereas Zecke is a crude, colloquial accusation. Parasit is more suitable in a neutral text, while Zecke fits a strong personal attack better.
Parasit
Er lebt seit Jahren auf Kosten seiner Familie und wird deshalb als Parasit bezeichnet.
He has been living at his family's expense for years, so he is called a parasite.
Zecke
Er nimmt ständig das Geld seiner Freunde und wird von ihnen als Zecke beschimpft.
He is constantly taking his friends' money, and they insult him by calling him a leech.
In real life
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