vampire
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vampire
A mythological figure, usually a reanimated dead person, who feeds on the blood of living people in order to survive. Vampires are a common motif in horror literature and films.
In dem Film verwandelt sich der Held nach einem Biss in einen Vampir.
In the film, the hero turns into a vampire after being bitten.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Vampir' (vampire) from the context. If the text is about myths, horror, or Dracula, it means the mythical creature. If it is about animals and biology, it means the vampire bat. In discussions about people and relationships, the word is used metaphorically for exploiters.
Für Halloween hat er sich als Vampir verkleidet.
For Halloween, he dressed up as a vampire.
In connection with the mythological figure, certain verbs are often used. Typical ones are 'Blut saugen' (to suck blood), 'jemanden beißen' (to bite someone), or 'sich in einen Vampir verwandeln' (to turn into a vampire).
Der Legende nach können Vampire kein Sonnenlicht ertragen.
According to legend, vampires cannot tolerate sunlight.
When a person is called a 'Vampir' (vampire), it is a strong metaphor. It means that this person 'sucks' something important out of others, for example money, time, attention, or emotional energy.
Pass auf, dass er dich nicht ausnutzt – er ist ein finanzieller Vampir.
Watch out that he doesn't take advantage of you — he's a financial vampire.
In biology, 'der Vampir' (the vampire) is a short form of 'die Vampirfledermaus' (the vampire bat). In this context, the word is a factual, scientific term and not a mythical creature.
Forscher untersuchen das Blutgerinnungsmittel im Speichel des Vampirs.
Researchers are studying the anticoagulant in the vampire bat's saliva.
parasite
'der Vampir' and 'der Parasit' can both be used derogatorily for someone who exploits others. 'Vampir' sounds more figurative and emphasizes that someone takes another person's strength, money, or energy. 'Parasit' sounds more direct and harsher; it means a person who lives at the expense of others and contributes little themselves. The words can be confused because both describe exploitation. For strong, vivid criticism, 'Vampir' is more suitable. If you want to say more matter-of-factly or especially sharply that someone lives off others, 'Parasit' is more suitable.
Nach jedem Gespräch mit ihm fühle ich mich leer, als wäre er ein Vampir.
After every conversation with him, I feel drained, as if he were a vampire.
Sie nennt ihn einen Parasiten, weil er seit Monaten von ihrem Geld lebt.
She calls him a parasite because he has been living off her money for months.