catfish / pilgrim
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catfish
A large predatory fish that lives in European freshwater, also known in German as 'Wels' (catfish).
Der Angler war stolz auf den riesigen Waller, den er aus dem Fluss gezogen hatte.
The angler was proud of the huge catfish he had pulled out of the river.
The two meanings of 'Waller' (catfish/pilgrim) are clearly separated by context. If it is about fishing, fish, or bodies of water, the predatory fish is meant. In historical or religious texts about pilgrimages, a person is meant.
Am Seeufer erzählten sich die Angler Geschichten über riesige Waller.
On the lakeshore, the anglers told each other stories about huge catfish.
In connection with the fish, 'Waller' (catfish) is often used with verbs related to fishing. Typical combinations are 'einen Waller fangen' (to catch a catfish), 'einen Waller angeln' (to fish for a catfish), or 'einen Waller aus dem Wasser ziehen' (to pull a catfish out of the water).
Es braucht viel Geduld, um einen so großen Waller zu fangen.
It takes a lot of patience to catch such a large catfish.
This meaning for 'Pilger' (pilgrim) is outdated. Today it is used only in historical, literary, or religious contexts to create an old-fashioned atmosphere.
In dem historischen Roman schloss sich der junge Mann einer Gruppe von Wallern an.
In the historical novel, the young man joined a group of pilgrims.
The word 'Waller' (pilgrim) in this meaning belongs to the word family of 'wallfahren' (to make a pilgrimage). A 'Waller' is therefore a person who undertakes a 'Wallfahrt' (pilgrimage).
Jedes Jahr machen sich Tausende auf die Wallfahrt nach Santiago de Compostela.
Every year, thousands set out on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
catfish / Welsh
'der Wels' and 'der Waller' refer to the same large freshwater fish. Both words fit when talking about the fish with barbels around its mouth that lives in European lakes and rivers. 'Wels' is the more general term, while 'Waller' is also used, especially in some regions or in fishing. The important point is: here, both words refer to the fish, not to the old meaning of 'Waller' as a pilgrim.
Beim Angeln erzählt Tom, dass ein Waller in diesem See besonders groß werden kann.
While fishing, Tom says that a catfish in this lake can grow especially large.
Zum Abendessen bereitet mein Vater einen frischen Wels aus dem Fluss zu.
For dinner, my father prepares a fresh catfish from the river.