01
der Teddy
teddy bear
A toy in the shape of a bear, made of plush or another soft fabric. Short form of Teddybär.
example
Das kleine Kind schlief mit seinem Teddy im Arm ein.
The small child fell asleep with his teddy bear in his arms.
der Teddy
teddy / teddy bear
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
Whether the toy or the lingerie is meant is always clear from the context. If the sentence is about children, playing, or sleeping, the bear is meant. If it is about fashion, clothing, or underwear, the lingerie item is meant.
EXAMPLE
Mein Neffe kann ohne seinen Teddy nicht einschlafen.
My nephew can't fall asleep without his teddy bear.
Word form and origin
'Teddy' is the common short form of 'Teddybär' (teddy bear). The name goes back to U.S. President Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt, who refused to shoot a tied-up bear while hunting.
EXAMPLE
Fast jedes Kind in Deutschland hat einen Teddybären.
Almost every child in Germany has a teddy bear.
Typical collocations
When referring to the toy, 'Teddy' (teddy bear) is often used with verbs like 'kuscheln' (to cuddle), 'drücken' (to squeeze/hug), or 'im Arm halten' (to hold in one's arms), and adjectives like 'weich' (soft) and 'flauschig' (fluffy).
EXAMPLE
Sie drückte ihren flauschigen Teddy ganz fest.
She hugged her fluffy teddy bear very tightly.
Compare with
Teddy vs Body
bodysuit / body
'der Body' and 'der Teddy' can both mean one-piece, tight-fitting garments. That is why they can easily be confused. 'Der Body' is more general: it covers the upper body and is often fastened at the crotch. Babies wear bodysuits, and for adults a 'Body' can also be worn as a top or as underwear. In this meaning, 'der Teddy' refers to a specific item of women’s lingerie that combines a top and panties. Important: 'Teddy' can also mean a teddy bear, but in clothing language it is much more specific than 'Body'.
Teddy
Im Wäschegeschäft sucht sie einen schwarzen Teddy für einen besonderen Abend.
At the lingerie store, she looks for a black teddy for a special evening.
Body
Für das Baby kauft Maria einen warmen Body aus Baumwolle.
Maria buys a warm cotton bodysuit for the baby.
In real life
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