der Tentakel
tentacle
A movable, elongated organ of certain animals used for sensing, holding, or catching.
EXAMPLE
Der Oktopus bewegte seine Tentakel über den Meeresboden.
The octopus moved its tentacles across the sea floor.
der Tentakel
tentacle
der Tentakel, die Tentakel
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Meanings
der Tentakel
tentacle
An offshoot or part of a widely branching system, especially an organization or company; usually used figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Die Tentakel des internationalen Konzerns reichen bis in viele kleine Märkte.
The international corporation's tentacles reach into many small markets.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Tentakel, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Tentakel |
| genitive | des Tentakels |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Tentakel | die Tentakel |
| accusative | den Tentakel | die Tentakel |
| dative | dem Tentakel | den Tentakeln |
| genitive | des Tentakels | der Tentakel |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
Words from the animal world and verbs of movement usually indicate the physical meaning of 'Tentakel' (tentacle). Words such as 'Konzern' (corporation), 'Organisation' (organization), or 'Netzwerk' (network) point to the figurative use, which often describes a far-reaching or difficult-to-understand system.
EXAMPLE
Der Tintenfisch zog einen Tentakel unter den Stein zurück.
The squid pulled a tentacle back under the rock.
Die Tentakel des Netzwerks reichen inzwischen bis in mehrere Behörden.
The network's tentacles now reach into several government agencies.
Typical collocations
In its biological meaning, 'Tentakel' (tentacle) often occurs with verbs of movement and grasping. Common examples include 'Tentakel bewegen' (to move tentacles), 'Tentakel ausstrecken' (to extend tentacles), and 'mit den Tentakeln festhalten' (to hold on with the tentacles).
EXAMPLE
Das Tier streckte einen Tentakel aus und tastete nach dem Futter.
The animal extended a tentacle and felt around for food.
Figurative collocations
In its figurative meaning, 'Tentakel' (tentacle) is often associated with institutions, companies, or networks. Typical collocations include 'die Tentakel eines Konzerns' (the tentacles of a corporation) and 'die Tentakel reichen bis in viele Bereiche' (the tentacles reach into many areas); this usage is particularly common in journalistic and critical texts.
EXAMPLE
Das Drogenkartell streckt seine Tentakel inzwischen bis in die Politik aus.
The drug cartel is now extending its tentacles into politics.
In real life
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