01
das Wiesel
weasel
A small, slender predator from the marten family, known for its speed and agility.
example
Ein Wiesel huschte flink über den Feldweg.
A weasel darted swiftly across the dirt road.
das Wiesel
weasel
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Meanings
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The agility and speed of the weasel have led to a fixed comparison in German. When someone is very quick and agile, you say they are 'flink wie ein Wiesel' (quick as a weasel).
EXAMPLE
Der Fußballspieler war flink wie ein Wiesel und umspielte alle Gegner.
The soccer player was quick as a weasel and dribbled past all the opponents.
Typical verbs
The quick, gliding movements of a weasel are often described with specific verbs. Typical ones here are 'huschen' (to dart) or 'flitzen' (to zip along).
EXAMPLE
Wir sahen, wie ein Wiesel über die Straße huschte.
We saw a weasel dart across the road.
Figurative qualities
The qualities of the weasel—quick, slender, and agile—are often transferred metaphorically to people to describe their mobility or build.
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner schlanken Figur passte er durch die engste Lücke.
With his slender figure, he fit through the narrowest gap.
Compare with
Wiesel vs Marder
marten
'der Marder' and 'das Wiesel' both refer to small, slender predators. They can be confused because a weasel belongs to the marten family and looks similar. However, 'Marder' is also the more general name for a group of animals and is often used in everyday language for animals that, for example, damage cars. 'Wiesel' refers to a specific, very small and fast animal. If you mean the well-known animal associated with cars, 'Marder' is usually the right choice. If you want to name the small, agile animal precisely, 'Wiesel' is more accurate.
Wiesel
Am Feldrand lief ein Wiesel schnell zwischen den Steinen hindurch.
At the edge of the field, a weasel quickly ran between the stones.
Marder
Ein Marder hat nachts ein Kabel in unserem Auto durchgebissen.
A marten bit through a cable in our car during the night.
In real life
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