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die Safari
safari
A trip, usually in Africa, to observe or hunt wild animals in their natural environment.
example
Im Urlaub haben wir eine Safari in Kenia gemacht und Löwen gesehen.
On vacation, we went on a safari in Kenya and saw lions.
die Safari
safari
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Two usage patterns
There are two typical constructions: you can say 'eine Safari machen' (to go on/do a safari; verb + accusative object) or 'auf Safari gehen/sein' (to go/be on safari; prepositional phrase without an article). Both are very common.
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Jahr wollen wir eine Safari in Tansania machen.
Next year we want to go on a safari in Tanzania.
Typical collocations
The most common combination is 'eine Safari machen' (to go on/do a safari). The place is often mentioned too, for example 'eine Safari durch den Nationalpark' (a safari through the national park) or 'eine Safari in Afrika' (a safari in Africa).
EXAMPLE
Eine Safari durch die Serengeti ist ein unvergessliches Erlebnis.
A safari through the Serengeti is an unforgettable experience.
Figurative meaning
The figurative meaning of an 'Erkundungstour' (exploration tour) is often slightly ironic or colloquial. You can recognize it when the context has nothing to do with wild animals, but rather with, for example, a company, a city, or a topic.
EXAMPLE
Am ersten Tag machte der Praktikant eine Safari durch das Bürogebäude.
On the first day, the intern went on a safari through the office building.
Compare with
Safari vs Expedition
expedition
'die Expedition' and 'die Safari' can both be special trips into nature. 'Expedition' is used when a journey has a research or discovery purpose and often leads to an area that is hard to access. 'Safari' usually means a trip, often in Africa, where people observe or hunt wild animals. The words can be confused because both are connected with adventure, nature, and distant places. For animals in their natural environment, 'Safari' is more natural. For research and discovery, 'Expedition' is more precise.
Safari
Im Urlaub machte meine Kollegin eine Safari und sah Elefanten aus der Nähe.
On vacation, my colleague went on a safari and saw elephants up close.
Expedition
Auf der Expedition haben die Forschenden neue Daten über das Eis gesammelt.
On the expedition, the researchers collected new data about the ice.
In real life
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