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
der Rabe, die Raben
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Meanings
stehlen wie ein Rabe
to steal like a raven
An idiom meaning that someone steals a lot, boldly, or shamelessly.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf deine Tasche auf, auf diesem Markt wird gestohlen wie die Raben.
Watch your bag; at this market, people steal like ravens.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Rabe, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Raben |
| genitive | des Raben |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Rabe | die Raben |
| accusative | den Raben | die Raben |
| dative | dem Raben | den Raben |
| genitive | des Raben | der Raben |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
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.
In real life
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