dove
die Taube, die Tauben
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dove
A medium-sized bird with a small head that comes in many species, such as the city pigeon or wood pigeon. The white dove is considered a symbol of peace.
Eine Taube saß auf dem Fenstersims und suchte nach Futter.
A pigeon was sitting on the windowsill, looking for food.
dove
A person in politics who advocates peace, understanding, and compromise. The word is used especially in contrast to 'Falke' (hawk).
In der Regierung gilt sie als Taube, weil sie Verhandlungen einem militärischen Vorgehen vorzieht.
She is considered a dove in the government because she prefers negotiations to military action.
the dove on the roof
A possible future advantage that has not yet been secured. The expression is usually used in the idiom 'Lieber den Spatz in der Hand als die Taube auf dem Dach' (A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush).
Ich nehme das sichere Angebot an und warte nicht auf die Taube auf dem Dach.
I’ll accept the secure offer and won’t wait for the dove on the roof.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Tauben |
| genitive | der Taube |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Taube | die Tauben |
| accusative | die Taube | die Tauben |
| dative | der Taube | den Tauben |
| genitive | der Taube | der Tauben |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Tauben |
| genitive | der Tauben |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Taube | die Tauben |
| accusative | die Taube | die Tauben |
| dative | der Tauben | den Tauben |
| genitive | der Tauben | der Tauben |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
In the literal sense, 'Taube' (dove) is often used with verbs such as 'füttern' (to feed), 'beobachten' (to observe), and 'fangen' (to catch). Compound words such as 'Stadttaube' (city pigeon) and 'Ringeltaube' (wood pigeon) are also common.
Die Kinder beobachteten eine Taube im Park.
The children watched a pigeon in the park.
Viele Menschen füttern Tauben auf dem Marktplatz.
Many people feed pigeons in the market square.
In political texts, 'Taube' (dove) often refers to a person who supports negotiations and compromises. Typical collocations include 'als Taube gelten' (to be considered a dove) and 'zu den Tauben gehören' (to be among the doves).
Im Streit um Waffenlieferungen gehört der Minister zu den Tauben.
In the dispute over arms deliveries, the minister is among the doves.
Die Tauben in der Regierung fordern eine diplomatische Lösung.
The doves in the government are calling for a diplomatic solution.
The meaning 'uncertain future advantage' almost always occurs in the fixed idiom 'Lieber den Spatz in der Hand als die Taube auf dem Dach' (A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush). The preposition 'auf' (on) indicates the location on the roof here.
Verkauf das Auto doch jetzt! Lieber den Spatz in der Hand als die Taube auf dem Dach.
Why don’t you sell the car now? A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
