A mythical bird that burns at the end of its life cycle and is reborn from its own ashes. It is a symbol of immortality and renewal.
example
Wie ein Phönix aus der Asche erholte sich die Stadt nach dem verheerenden Brand.
Like a phoenix from the ashes, the city recovered after the devastating fire.
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The word 'Phönix' (phoenix) is very often used in the idiom 'wie ein Phönix aus der Asche steigen' (to rise like a phoenix from the ashes). This expresses that something or someone recovers impressively after complete destruction or a major failure.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Insolvenz ist das Unternehmen wie ein Phönix aus der Asche gestiegen.
After bankruptcy, the company rose like a phoenix from the ashes.
Symbolic meaning
The phoenix is often used as a powerful symbol of renewal, rebirth, and immortality. People speak metaphorically of a phoenix when a city, company, or person overcomes a severe crisis and starts anew.
EXAMPLE
Der Wiederaufbau der historischen Altstadt gilt als Symbol eines Phönix.
The reconstruction of the historic old town is considered a symbol of a phoenix.
Pronunciation
The letter combination 'Ph' at the beginning of the word is pronounced like an 'F'. This is typical of many German words that come from Greek.
EXAMPLE
Die Legende vom Phönix ist Tausende von Jahren alt.
The legend of the phoenix is thousands of years old.