01
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
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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
'der Schwanz' and 'der Schweif' can both mean something elongated at the rear. 'Schwanz' is the general word for the body part of many animals and also for the rear part of some things. 'Schweif' is more specific: it is especially used for a long, often hairy tail, for example on horses, or for a long visible trail, such as that of a comet. Learners may confuse the words because with a comet you can think of both a 'Schwanz' and a 'Schweif'. In everyday language, 'Schwanz' is more general; 'Schweif' sounds more precise when talking about a long trail or a long hairy animal tail.
Schweif
Im Licht der Sonne sah man den langen Schweif des Kometen.
In the sunlight, you could see the comet’s long tail.
Schwanz
Der kleine Hund klemmte den Schwanz ein, weil er Angst hatte.
The little dog tucked its tail between its legs because it was afraid.
In real life
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