der Schmetterling
butterfly
An insect with two pairs of large, often brightly colored wings that develops from a caterpillar.
EXAMPLE
Ein bunter Schmetterling landete auf der Blüte.
A colorful butterfly landed on the flower.
der Schmetterling
butterfly
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Meanings
der Schmetterling
butterfly
A swimming stroke in which both arms are brought forward over the head at the same time and symmetrically. It is considered technically demanding and strenuous.
EXAMPLE
Er gewann das Rennen über 200 Meter Schmetterling mit neuem Rekord.
He won the 200-meter butterfly race with a new record.
Schmetterlinge im Bauch haben
to have butterflies
An idiom for the excited, tingling feeling of being in love.
EXAMPLE
Immer wenn sie ihn sieht, hat sie Schmetterlinge im Bauch.
Whenever she sees him, she has butterflies in her stomach.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Schmetterling' (butterfly) from the context. If people are talking about nature, flowers, or insects, the animal is meant. In the context of sports, a swimming pool, or a competition, the swimming stroke is meant.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer fliegen viele Schmetterlinge im Garten.
In summer, many butterflies fly around in the garden.
Typical verbs
When 'Schmetterling' (butterfly) is meant as an insect, it is often used with the verbs 'fliegen' (to fly), 'flattern' (to flutter), or 'landen' (to land).
EXAMPLE
Ein gelber Schmetterling flattert von Blüte zu Blüte.
A yellow butterfly flutters from flower to flower.
Use in sports
As a swimming stroke, 'Schmetterling' (butterfly) is often used without an article and in combination with a distance.
EXAMPLE
Er schwimmt die 100 Meter Schmetterling in unter einer Minute.
He swims the 100-meter butterfly in under a minute.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'Schmetterlinge im Bauch haben' (to have butterflies in one's stomach) is a fixed unit. It describes the feeling of being in love and is always used in this form.
EXAMPLE
Vor dem ersten Date hatte ich totale Schmetterlinge im Bauch.
Before the first date, I had total butterflies in my stomach.
Compare with
Schmetterling vs Falter
butterfly / moth
Schmetterling and Falter both refer to winged insects, but Falter is the broader term and also includes moths. Use Schmetterling when exactly a butterfly is meant, whereas Falter is also possible when the species is not specified or when it is a moth.
Schmetterling
Das farbige Tier auf der Blume ist ein Schmetterling.
The colorful creature on the flower is a butterfly.
Falter
Das Tier am Licht ist ein Falter und keine genau bestimmte Schmetterlingsart.
The creature by the light is a moth or butterfly, but the exact species is not specified.
In real life
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