das Schneckenhaus
snail shell
The hard, spiral-shaped shell in which a snail lives and that protects its body.
EXAMPLE
Das Schneckenhaus der Schnecke war mit braunen Streifen bedeckt.
The snail's shell was covered with brown stripes.
das Schneckenhaus
snail shell / shell
das Schneckenhaus, die Schneckenhäuser
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Meanings
das Schneckenhaus
retreat
A secluded place into which someone withdraws from the outside world. This term is usually used figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit zog sie sich in ihr Schneckenhaus zurück.
After the argument, she withdrew into her shell.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Schneckenhaus, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schneckenhäuser |
| genitive | des Schneckenhauses |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Schneckenhaus | die Schneckenhäuser |
| accusative | das Schneckenhaus | die Schneckenhäuser |
| dative | dem Schneckenhaus | den Schneckenhäusern |
| genitive | des Schneckenhauses | der Schneckenhäuser |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
“Schneckenhaus” is made up of “Schnecke” (snail) and “Haus” (house). Literally, it means the snail's house, or protective shell.
EXAMPLE
Das Schneckenhaus lag am Rand des Weges.
The snail shell lay at the edge of the path.
Context clue
If the context mentions stripes, colors, a shell, or an animal, the literal shell is usually meant. With verbs such as “sich zurückziehen” (to withdraw) or “bleiben” (to stay), “Schneckenhaus” often refers figuratively to a personal retreat.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Umzug lebt er in seinem Schneckenhaus und trifft kaum noch Freunde.
Since moving, he has been living in his shell and hardly meets any friends.
Das Schneckenhaus auf dem Foto glänzt im Sonnenlicht.
The snail shell in the photo glistens in the sunlight.
Fixed expression
The figurative meaning often occurs in the fixed expression “sich in sein Schneckenhaus zurückziehen” (to withdraw into one's shell). It describes someone deliberately limiting their contact with the outside world.
EXAMPLE
Wenn ihm die ständigen Anrufe zu viel werden, zieht er sich in sein Schneckenhaus zurück und schaltet das Handy aus.
When the constant calls become too much for him, he withdraws into his shell and switches off his phone.
In real life
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