der Schweif
tail
The long, hairy tail of certain animals, especially horses, cattle, or big cats.
EXAMPLE
Das Pferd schlug mit dem Schweif nach den lästigen Fliegen.
The horse swished its tail at the annoying flies.
der Schweif
tail / trail
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Meanings
der Schweif
tail
The glowing 'tail' of a comet, which consists of gas and dust and points away from the sun.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem Teleskop konnte man den beeindruckenden Schweif des Kometen erkennen.
With the telescope, you could make out the impressive tail of the comet.
der Schweif
trail
A visible, elongated trail that something leaves behind, for example a plume of smoke or a contrail.
EXAMPLE
Das Flugzeug zog einen langen weißen Schweif über den blauen Himmel.
The airplane left a long white trail across the blue sky.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Schweif' (tail / trail) is related to the verb 'schweifen', which means 'to wander around' or 'to spread out' (e.g. 'den Blick schweifen lassen' — to let one's gaze wander). A 'Schweif' is therefore something that spreads out behind an object or follows it.
EXAMPLE
Sein Blick schweifte über die Landschaft.
His gaze wandered over the landscape.
Context clues
The meaning of 'Schweif' (tail / trail) becomes clear from context. If people are talking about animals (horse, fox), it means the animal's tail. In the context of astronomy (comet), it means the comet's tail. With objects like airplanes or chimneys, it means a smoke trail or contrail.
EXAMPLE
Der Fuchs hat einen buschigen Schweif.
The fox has a bushy tail.
Typical collocations
In connection with animals, 'Schweif' (tail) is used mainly for horses, cattle, and foxes. A typical verb in this context is 'mit dem Schweif schlagen' (to swish one's tail).
EXAMPLE
Die Kuh vertrieb die Fliegen, indem sie mit dem Schweif schlug.
The cow drove away the flies by swishing its tail.
Compare with
Schweif vs Schwanz
tail / dick
Schwanz is the general term for the rear body appendage of an animal. Schweif specifically refers to a long, hairy tail, such as that of a horse, and often sounds somewhat more formal. Schwanz is appropriate for a neutral description; the tail's shape and hairiness may favor Schweif.
Schweif
Das Pferd vertreibt mit seinem langen Schweif die Fliegen.
The horse uses its long tail to drive away the flies.
Schwanz
Das Pferd vertreibt mit seinem Schwanz die Fliegen.
The horse uses its tail to drive away the flies.
In real life
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