pager / little bird
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pager
A small, portable electronic device that gives a signal through a beep or vibration to inform the person carrying it about a message or call. It is often used by doctors, firefighters, or in the service sector.
Der Arzt wurde nachts über seinen Pieper zu einem Notfall gerufen.
The doctor was called to an emergency at night via his pager.
The word 'Pieper' is derived from the verb 'piepen' (to beep/peep), which describes a high, short sound. This explains both meanings: the technical device 'piept' (beeps), and the young bird 'piept' (peeps).
Hör mal, die Vögel im Baum fangen an zu piepen.
Listen, the birds in the tree are starting to peep.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about doctors, emergencies, or work, the technical device is meant. If it is about nature, nests, or animals, the little bird is meant.
Der Feuerwehrmann wurde durch seinen Pieper zum Einsatz gerufen.
The firefighter was called to the scene by his pager.
When the device gives a signal, people often use the phrase 'der Pieper geht los' (the pager goes off). This means that it starts beeping or vibrating.
Mitten in der Nacht ging plötzlich sein Pieper los.
In the middle of the night, his pager suddenly went off.
The term 'Pieper' for a young bird is colloquial and is often used as an affectionate or diminutive term.
Schau mal, was für ein süßer kleiner Pieper da auf dem Ast sitzt!
Look, what a cute little bird is sitting there on the branch!
chick
'Küken' and 'Pieper' can both mean a very young bird. 'Küken' is the normal word for the young of a bird, especially a chicken. 'Pieper' is colloquial and sounds onomatopoeic, because the little bird peeps. It fits more when you want to emphasize the sound or the small, cute impression. Learners may confuse the words because both can be used for young birds. However, 'Küken' is more precise and more neutral, while 'Pieper' sounds more casual and less technical.
Im Busch sitzt ein kleiner Pieper und ruft nach Futter.
A little bird is sitting in the bush and calling for food.
Das Küken ist heute Morgen aus dem Ei geschlüpft.
The chick hatched from the egg this morning.