ibex / Capricorn
der Steinbock, die Steinböcke
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ibex
A species of wild goat with large, curved horns that lives in the Alps and other high mountain regions.
Bei unserer Wanderung in den Alpen konnten wir einen Steinbock auf einem Felsen beobachten.
During our hike in the Alps, we were able to observe an ibex on a rock.
Capricorn
The tenth zodiac sign in astrology for people born between December 22 and January 20.
Mein Bruder ist im Januar geboren, sein Sternzeichen ist Steinbock.
My brother was born in January; his zodiac sign is Capricorn.
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Steinböcke |
| genitive | des Steinbocks |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Steinbock | die Steinböcke |
| accusative | den Steinbock | die Steinböcke |
| dative | dem Steinbock | den Steinböcken |
| genitive | des Steinbocks des Steinbockes | der Steinböcke |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'Stein' (stone/rock) and 'Bock' (male goat). So it literally describes a 'rock goat,' which points to the animal's habitat in the mountains.
Der Steinbock ist perfekt an das Leben im Gebirge angepasst.
The ibex is perfectly adapted to life in the mountains.
You can tell from context whether the animal or the zodiac sign is meant. Words like 'Berge' (mountains), 'Alpen' (Alps), 'klettern' (to climb), or 'Tier' (animal) point to the animal. Words like 'Horoskop' (horoscope), 'geboren' (born), or 'Sternzeichen' (zodiac sign) point to the astrological meaning.
Wir sahen einen Steinbock auf einem hohen Felsen. (Tier)
We saw an ibex on a high rock. (animal)
When referring to the animal, 'Steinbock' (ibex) is often used with verbs like 'beobachten' (to observe/watch), 'sehen' (to see), or 'klettern' (to climb). Typical contexts are hikes and nature in the high Alps.
Mit einem Fernglas konnten wir die Steinböcke in der Felswand beobachten.
With binoculars, we were able to observe the ibexes on the rock face.
When 'Steinbock' (Capricorn) is a zodiac sign, it is often used with the verb 'sein' (to be). Common phrases are 'Er ist Steinbock' (He is a Capricorn) or 'Sein Sternzeichen ist Steinbock' (His zodiac sign is Capricorn).
Mein Vater ist Steinbock und gilt als sehr ehrgeizig.
My father is a Capricorn and is considered very ambitious.
