01
der Schwan
swan
A large, usually white water bird from the duck family, known for its long, elegantly curved neck.
example
Ein majestätischer Schwan zog seine Kreise auf dem See.
A majestic swan circled on the lake.
der Schwan
swan
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Meanings
Usage tips
Cultural meaning
The swan is a strong symbol of elegance, grace, and purity in German culture. It appears in famous works such as the ballet 'Schwanensee' (Swan Lake) or the opera 'Lohengrin'.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem See zog ein Paar Schwäne elegant seine Bahnen.
A pair of swans moved elegantly across the lake.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Schwanengesang' (swan song) refers to an artist's final work or final performance before their death or the end of their career. It is a widely used idiom.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch gilt als der Schwanengesang des alternden Autors.
The book is considered the aging author's swan song.
Typical adjectives
'Schwan' (swan) is often described with adjectives that emphasize its elegant appearance. Common combinations are 'ein majestätischer Schwan' (a majestic swan), 'ein anmutiger Schwan' (a graceful swan), or 'ein weißer Schwan' (a white swan).
EXAMPLE
Ein eleganter Schwan glitt lautlos über das Wasser.
An elegant swan glided silently across the water.
Compare with
Schwan vs Ente
duck
'die Ente' and 'der Schwan' can be confused because both are water birds and are often seen on ponds, lakes, or rivers. Still, they are easy to tell apart in everyday life. A duck is usually smaller, has a broad beak, and a rather short neck. A swan is larger and has a long, often elegantly curved neck. 'Ente' also has other meanings, for example a false report or a dish. But for the confusion with 'Schwan', only the bird meaning is relevant. If you see a large white water bird with a long neck, 'Schwan' is usually the right word.
Schwan
Aylin bleibt am Ufer stehen, weil ein Schwan sehr nah vorbeischwimmt.
Aylin stops at the bank because a swan is swimming past very close by.
Ente
Eine Ente schwimmt mit ihren Küken über den kleinen Teich.
A duck is swimming across the small pond with its ducklings.
In real life
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