peacock
der Pfau, die Pfauen
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peacock
A large bird from the pheasant family, whose male is known for its long, colorful tail feathers, which it can spread into a fan.
Im Schlosspark stolzierte ein Pfau und schlug ein Rad.
A peacock strutted through the palace park and spread its tail feathers.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Pfauen |
| genitive | des Pfaus |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Pfau | die Pfauen die Pfaue |
| accusative | den Pfau | die Pfauen die Pfaue |
| dative | dem Pfau | den Pfauen |
| genitive | des Pfaus des Pfaues | der Pfauen der Pfaue |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The best-known action of a peacock is described with the fixed expression 'ein Rad schlagen' (to spread its tail feathers). This refers to raising and displaying the magnificent tail feathers.
Alle Besucher hofften, dass der Pfau ein Rad schlagen würde.
All the visitors hoped that the peacock would spread its tail feathers.
The peacock is often associated with vanity and pride. A very common comparison is the idiom 'stolz sein wie ein Pfau' (to be as proud as a peacock).
Nachdem er das Projekt erfolgreich präsentiert hatte, war er stolz wie ein Pfau.
After he had successfully presented the project, he was as proud as a peacock.
The word 'Pfau' (peacock) is part of many compound nouns that refer to the bird or its features. Examples include 'die Pfauenfeder' (peacock feather) or 'das Pfauenauge' (also the name of a butterfly).
Die Kinder sammelten bunte Pfauenfedern im Park.
The children collected colorful peacock feathers in the park.
