walrus
das Walross, die Walrosse
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walrus
A large marine mammal with long tusks, prominent whiskers, and a thick layer of blubber. Walruses mainly live in Arctic waters.
Im Zoo konnten die Kinder ein Walross beim Schwimmen beobachten.
At the zoo, the children were able to watch a walrus swimming.
walrus
An informal, usually derogatory term for a very fat or clumsy person.
Er schimpfte über sich selbst und nannte sich ein Walross.
He complained about himself and called himself a walrus.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Walrosse |
| genitive | des Walrosses |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Walross | die Walrosse die Walrösser |
| accusative | das Walross | die Walrosse die Walrösser |
| dative | dem Walross | den Walrossen den Walrössern |
| genitive | des Walrosses | der Walrosse der Walrösser |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
In the context of zoos, Arctic waters, ice, or animals, “Walross” (walrus) refers to the marine mammal. When the word refers to a person and describes their appearance or movements, it is usually meant as an insult.
Im Dokumentarfilm schwammen mehrere Walrosse zwischen den Eisschollen.
In the documentary, several walruses swam among the ice floes.
Er wurde wegen seiner langsamen Bewegungen beleidigend als Walross bezeichnet.
Because of his slow movements, he was insultingly called a walrus.
“Walross” (walrus) is often used with verbs related to observing animals and movement: “ein Walross beobachten” (to observe a walrus), “ein Walross fotografieren” (to photograph a walrus), “ein Walross schwimmt” (a walrus is swimming), or “ein Walross taucht” (a walrus is diving). “Walrosskolonie” (walrus colony) is also a common expression in texts about the Arctic.
Die Forschenden fotografierten ein Walross, das gerade ins Wasser tauchte.
The researchers photographed a walrus that was just diving into the water.
When used to refer to a person, “Walross” (walrus) is informal and clearly derogatory. When said about others, it is usually hurtful; when said about oneself, however, it sounds more self-deprecating.
Als ihn ein Mitschüler ein Walross nannte, war er tief gekränkt.
When a classmate called him a walrus, he was deeply hurt.
