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.
In real life
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