der Wels
catfish
A large freshwater fish native to Europe, with characteristic barbels around its mouth, also called a wels catfish.
EXAMPLE
Der Angler hat einen riesigen Wels aus dem See gezogen.
The angler pulled a huge catfish out of the lake.
der Wels
catfish / Welsh
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Meanings
der Wels
Welsh
An outdated, historical term used by Germanic peoples for neighboring Celts and later for Romance peoples (e.g., French people, Italians).
EXAMPLE
Der Begriff „welsch“ leitet sich von der alten germanischen Bezeichnung für die Welschen ab.
The term 'welsch' derives from the old Germanic designation for the Welschen.
Usage tips
Context clue
The two meanings are clearly separated by context. If people are talking about fish, fishing, or bodies of water, the fish is meant. In historical or linguistic texts, the outdated ethnic designation may occur.
EXAMPLE
Im See leben viele Fische, darunter auch große Welse.
Many fish live in the lake, including large catfish.
Typical collocations
When referring to the fish, 'Wels' (catfish) is often combined with verbs like 'fangen' (to catch), 'angeln' (to fish for), or 'ziehen' (to pull). Since these fish can grow very large, you often hear the combination 'ein riesiger Wels' (a huge catfish).
EXAMPLE
Dem Angler gelang es, einen zwei Meter langen Wels aus dem Fluss zu ziehen.
The angler managed to pull a two-meter-long catfish out of the river.
Historical meaning
The term 'Wels' for Celts or Romance peoples is outdated today and is only used in historical contexts. You should not use it for modern French people or Italians.
EXAMPLE
In alten Chroniken werden die Nachbarvölker oft als „Welschen“ bezeichnet.
In old chronicles, the neighboring peoples are often referred to as 'Welschen'.
Compare with
Wels vs Waller
catfish / pilgrim
Wels and Waller refer to the same large freshwater fish. The main difference is regional usage: Waller is especially common in southern Germany and Austria, while Wels is the more general term. The choice therefore does not change which species is being referred to.
Wels
Im Bericht wird der große Fisch aus dem See als Wels bezeichnet.
The report refers to the large fish from the lake as a catfish.
Waller
Der österreichische Angler bezeichnet denselben großen Fisch aus dem See als Waller.
The Austrian angler refers to the same large fish from the lake as a catfish.
In real life
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