skull / death's-head
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skull
The bony skull of a deceased human or animal. It is often used as a symbol of death, danger, or piracy.
Auf der alten Piratenflagge war ein Totenkopf mit gekreuzten Knochen abgebildet.
A skull with crossed bones was shown on the old pirate flag.
death's-head moth
A specific species of large moth (Acherontia atropos) that has a marking on its back resembling a human skull. In technical language, it is also called a death's-head hawkmoth.
Der seltene Falter wird wegen seiner markanten Zeichnung auch Totenkopf genannt.
Because of its distinctive marking, the rare moth is also called a death's-head moth.
The word is a direct compound of 'Toten' (genitive of 'die Toten', the dead) and 'Kopf' (head). So it literally means the 'head of a dead person.'
Archäologen fanden bei der Ausgrabung einen alten Totenkopf.
Archaeologists found an old skull during the excavation.
In its symbolic meaning, the Totenkopf is often mentioned together with 'gekreuzten Knochen' (crossed bones). It is often found on flags, warning signs, or as a symbol in the Gothic scene.
Das Warnschild für Giftstoffe zeigt einen Totenkopf.
The warning sign for toxic substances shows a skull.
Whether the skull (m01) or the moth (m02) is meant becomes clear from the context. If people are talking about biology, insects, or nature, the moth is probably meant. In contexts such as piracy, danger, or death, it refers to the skull.
Der Biologe erklärte die Besonderheiten des Nachtfalters, der auch Totenkopf genannt wird.
The biologist explained the special features of the moth, which is also called a death's-head moth.
skull
Schädel is the neutral term for the bone structure of the head. Totenkopf can refer to the same bony skull, but it often also carries the marked meaning of a symbol of death or danger. Use Schädel when speaking neutrally about a bone, and Totenkopf when referring more to a symbol.
Auf dem Warnschild war ein Totenkopf mit gekreuzten Knochen abgebildet.
A skull and crossbones was depicted on the warning sign.
Im Museum lag ein menschlicher Schädel hinter einer Glasscheibe.
A human skull was displayed behind a glass pane in the museum.
