01
der Rabe
raven
A large bird, usually with black plumage, from the crow family, known for its intelligence.
example
Ein Rabe saß auf dem Ast und krächzte laut.
A raven was sitting on the branch and croaking loudly.
der Rabe
raven
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Derived adjective
The adjective 'rabenschwarz' (raven-black) is derived from the word 'Rabe' (raven). It describes the deep black color of the bird's plumage and is used for a particularly intense black.
EXAMPLE
Sie hatte langes, rabenschwarzes Haar.
She had long, raven-black hair.
Cultural context
Ravens play an important role in many European myths and fairy tales. They are often considered especially intelligent, and sometimes eerie or magical birds.
EXAMPLE
In der alten Sage überbringt ein Rabe eine geheime Nachricht.
In the old legend, a raven delivers a secret message.
Typical verb
The typical sound a raven makes is described with the verb 'krächzen' (to croak). This word imitates the bird's hoarse, loud call.
EXAMPLE
Wir hörten einen Raben auf dem Dach krächzen.
We heard a raven croaking on the roof.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'stehlen wie ein Rabe' (to steal like a raven), or in the plural 'wie die Raben' (like ravens), is fixed. The verb 'stehlen' (to steal) is conjugated, but the comparison stays the same. It expresses that someone steals especially boldly and a lot.
EXAMPLE
Er stiehlt wie ein Rabe, man kann ihm nicht vertrauen.
He steals like a raven; you can't trust him.
Compare with
Rabe vs Elster
magpie / ELSTER
'die Elster' and 'der Rabe' are both corvids and can therefore easily be confused. An 'Elster' is smaller and black-and-white. A 'Rabe' is larger and usually completely black. In addition, both words have connections with theft: people say, for example, 'diebische Elster' (thieving magpie) or 'stehlen wie ein Rabe' (to steal like a raven). This can make the confusion stronger. When you describe the bird, pay special attention to the color: black-and-white is an Elster, large and black is a Rabe.
Rabe
Auf dem Feld steht ein großer schwarzer Rabe.
There is a large black raven standing in the field.
Elster
Eine Elster sitzt auf dem Zaun und ruft laut.
A magpie is sitting on the fence and calling loudly.
In real life
Loading video examples...