der Urwald
primeval forest
An original forest largely untouched by humans, with very high biodiversity.
EXAMPLE
Der Schutz der letzten Urwälder der Erde ist eine globale Aufgabe.
Protecting the last primeval forests on Earth is a global task.
der Urwald
primeval forest / jungle
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Meanings
der Urwald
jungle
In a figurative sense, a confusing, complicated system or mess that is difficult to penetrate.
EXAMPLE
Man muss sich erst durch den Urwald der Paragrafen kämpfen, um sein Recht zu bekommen.
You first have to fight your way through the jungle of legal provisions to get your rights.
Usage tips
Prefix 'Ur-'
The prefix 'Ur-' means 'original', 'very old', or 'first'. An 'Urwald' (primeval forest) is therefore an original forest untouched by humans. The prefix is also found in 'Urzeit' (prehistoric times) or 'Urgroßeltern' (great-grandparents).
EXAMPLE
Die Forscher entdeckten im Urwald eine bisher unbekannte Tierart.
The researchers discovered a previously unknown animal species in the primeval forest.
Literal vs. figurative
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about nature, trees, and animals, the literal meaning is meant. If it is about bureaucracy, laws, or complex rules, it is used as a metaphor for something confusing.
EXAMPLE
Im Amazonas gibt es riesige Urwälder.
There are huge primeval forests in the Amazon.
Figurative use
In its figurative meaning, 'Urwald' (jungle) is often combined with 'aus' or 'an' and a plural noun. A typical phrase is 'sich durch den Urwald kämpfen' (to fight one's way through the jungle).
EXAMPLE
Er musste sich durch einen Urwald aus Formularen kämpfen, um den Antrag zu stellen.
He had to fight his way through a jungle of forms in order to submit the application.
Compare with
Urwald vs Dschungel
jungle
Dschungel and Urwald can both be dense and difficult to access. Dschungel emphasizes lush tropical vegetation, while Urwald emphasizes an original, largely untouched state. Dschungel fits dense tropical greenery, while Urwald fits a forest that has been barely altered by humans.
Urwald
Die Forschenden untersuchen einen weitgehend unberührten Urwald.
The researchers are studying a largely untouched primeval forest.
Dschungel
Die Forschenden kämpfen sich durch den dicht bewachsenen tropischen Dschungel.
The researchers are struggling through the densely overgrown tropical jungle.
In real life
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