bug
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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.
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.
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.
beetle
'der Käfer' and 'die Wanze' can both refer to small insects, so they are easy to confuse. In everyday language, 'Käfer' is often used for an insect with a hard back, for example a ladybug. 'Wanze' is a different kind of insect; some bugs suck plant sap or blood and are considered pests. In addition, both words have other meanings: 'der Käfer' can colloquially mean the well-known old VW car, while 'die Wanze' can be a hidden listening device. So context is important: in the garden, it is usually about animals; with the police or secrets, 'Wanze' can mean a device.
Im Hotelzimmer hat die Polizei eine versteckte Wanze gefunden.
In the hotel room, the police found a hidden bug.
Auf dem Blatt sitzt ein kleiner grüner Käfer.
A small green beetle is sitting on the leaf.