dinosaur
der Saurier, die Saurier
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dinosaur
An extinct reptile from prehistoric times that lived mainly during the Mesozoic Era. Dinosaurs and other large prehistoric animals are examples.
Im Museum ist das Skelett eines großen Sauriers zu sehen.
The skeleton of a large dinosaur can be seen in the museum.
dinosaur
A colloquial term for a very old-fashioned or outdated person, organization, or technical system.
Diese Firma ist ein Saurier der deutschen Industrie.
This company is a dinosaur of German industry.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Saurier |
| genitive | des Sauriers |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Saurier | die Saurier |
| accusative | den Saurier | die Saurier |
| dative | dem Saurier | den Sauriern |
| genitive | des Sauriers | der Saurier |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
When referring to a prehistoric animal, „Saurier“ (dinosaur) often appears in phrases with „Skelett“ (skeleton), „Knochen“ (bones), „Fossil“ (fossil), or „Museum“ (museum). Verbs such as „entdecken“ (to discover), „ausgraben“ (to excavate), and „untersuchen“ (to examine) also often go with it.
Die Forscher haben die Knochen eines Sauriers ausgegraben.
The researchers excavated the bones of a dinosaur.
Words such as „Fossil“ (fossil), „Skelett“ (skeleton), or „Erdgeschichte“ (geological history) usually indicate the literal meaning. If the subject is a company, public authority, or technical system, „Saurier“ (dinosaur) is often meant figuratively.
Das Fossil stammt von einem Saurier aus der Jurazeit.
The fossil comes from a dinosaur from the Jurassic period.
Wegen ihrer alten Technik gilt die Behörde als Saurier.
Because of its old technology, the public authority is considered a dinosaur.
The figurative meaning is often used metaphorically and with a slightly critical undertone. It emphasizes that something seems very old, slow, or technologically outdated.
Viele halten den großen Konzern für einen Saurier der Branche.
Many people consider the large corporation a dinosaur in the industry.
