01
der Schnabel
beak
The hard, protruding mouthpart of a bird.
example
Der Papagei knackte die Nüsse mit seinem kräftigen Schnabel.
The parrot cracked the nuts with its strong beak.
der Schnabel
beak
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning of 'Schnabel' (beak) is usually clear. In a biological context, it refers to birds; colloquially, to the human mouth; and with objects, to a pouring opening.
EXAMPLE
Der Pelikan hat einen riesigen Schnabel.
The pelican has a huge beak.
Colloquial use
When 'Schnabel' (beak/mouth) is used for the human mouth, it is always colloquial and often rude or disrespectful. You should use it only in very informal situations.
EXAMPLE
Dem Kind ist ein großer Schnabel gewachsen, es redet den ganzen Tag.
The child has gotten a big mouth; he talks all day.
Fixed expression
The command 'Halt den Schnabel!' means 'Be quiet!' It is a very common but rude expression and is often used when someone is annoyed.
EXAMPLE
Als er nicht aufhörte zu reden, sagte sie wütend: „Jetzt halt endlich den Schnabel!“
When he wouldn't stop talking, she said angrily, 'Now finally shut your mouth!'
Compare with
Schnabel vs Mund
mouth
'der Mund' and 'der Schnabel' can both mean the place with which a living being eats or makes sounds. 'Mund' is the normal word for humans and many animals. 'Schnabel' is used mainly for birds, because it is hard and protruding. Colloquially, 'Schnabel' can also refer to the human mouth, but then it often sounds rude or derogatory. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a similar body function. The safe rule is: for humans, you normally say 'Mund'; for birds, 'Schnabel'.
Schnabel
Der Vogel hält ein kleines Stück Brot im Schnabel.
The bird is holding a small piece of bread in its beak.
Mund
Nach dem Unfall blutet der Fahrer am Mund.
After the accident, the driver is bleeding from the mouth.
In real life
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