bug
die Wanze, die Wanzen
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bug
A small insect from the order of true bugs that often feeds on plant juices or blood. Some species are considered pests.
Im Sommer muss man aufpassen, dass keine Wanzen durch das offene Fenster ins Haus kommen.
In summer, you have to be careful that no bugs come into the house through the open window.
bug
A small, hidden listening device used to secretly record or listen in on conversations.
Die Polizei fand bei der Durchsuchung eine Wanze unter dem Schreibtisch.
During the search, the police found a bug under the desk.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Wanzen |
| genitive | der Wanze |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Wanze | die Wanzen |
| accusative | die Wanze | die Wanzen |
| dative | der Wanze | den Wanzen |
| genitive | der Wanze | der Wanzen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about nature, gardens, or insects, the animal is meant. If it is about espionage, crime, or surveillance, the listening device is meant.
Auf dem Balkon habe ich eine grüne Wanze entdeckt.
I discovered a green bug on the balcony.
Der Detektiv vermutete eine Wanze im Telefon des Verdächtigen.
The detective suspected there was a bug in the suspect's phone.
The verb 'verwanzen' (to bug) is derived from the meaning 'listening device.' It means to secretly equip a room with listening devices.
Sie hatten Angst, dass ihr Büro verwanzt sein könnte.
They were afraid that their office might be bugged.
In connection with the insect, you often hear that you have to 'Wanzen bekämpfen' (fight/control bugs) or that there is a 'Wanze im Zimmer' (bug in the room).
Diese Pflanzen sind leider anfällig für Wanzen.
Unfortunately, these plants are susceptible to bugs.
When it is about the listening device, people often talk about 'eine Wanze installieren' (installing a bug), 'verstecken' (hiding one), or 'finden' (finding one).
Die Spionin hat eine Wanze im Konferenzraum installiert.
The spy installed a bug in the conference room.
microphone
A Mikrofon and a Wanze can technically record or transmit conversations. Mikrofon is the general term for a device that picks up sound, while Wanze additionally emphasizes that the device is small and hidden and used to listen in secretly. Mikrofon is appropriate for a normal recording; Wanze is used for a concealed listening device.
Die Ermittler fanden eine kleine Wanze, die heimlich Gespräche im Raum aufzeichnete.
The investigators found a small bug that was secretly recording conversations in the room.
Für das Interview stellte die Reporterin ein Mikrofon auf den Tisch.
The reporter placed a microphone on the table for the interview.
