zoo
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zoo
An institution where various, often exotic animal species are kept in enclosures and shown to the public. Zoos also serve research and species conservation.
Am Sonntag gehen wir mit den Kindern in den Zoo, um die neuen Löwenbabys zu sehen.
On Sunday, we're going to the zoo with the children to see the new lion cubs.
'Zoo' is a shortened form of 'zoologischer Garten' (zoological garden). Although it is an abbreviation, 'Zoo' is used much more often in everyday language.
Der zoologische Garten in Berlin ist weltberühmt.
The zoological garden in Berlin is world-famous.
Pay attention to the prepositions and the case: You go 'in den Zoo' (to the zoo; accusative for direction), but you are or see animals 'im Zoo' (in the zoo; dative for location).
Morgen fahren wir in den Zoo.
Tomorrow we're going to the zoo.
In a figurative sense, 'Zoo' (zoo) colloquially describes a very chaotic and loud situation. This use is informal and often meant slightly negatively or humorously.
Nach der Kinderparty war das Wohnzimmer ein reiner Zoo.
After the children's party, the living room was a complete zoo.
chaos
'das Chaos' and 'der Zoo' can both describe a very disorderly and loud situation. 'Chaos' is the normal word for mess, disorder, or confusion. 'Zoo' actually means a place with animals, but it is used colloquially and derogatorily when a place seems wild, loud, and out of control. 'Chaos' fits many situations more neutrally. 'Zoo' sounds more critical and belongs more to everyday spoken language.
Im Pausenraum war heute ein richtiger Zoo, weil alle durcheinandergeredet haben.
The break room was a real zoo today because everyone was talking over each other.
Nach dem Umzug herrschte in der ganzen Wohnung Chaos.
After the move, there was chaos throughout the entire apartment.