German word

Delfin

Pronunciation

IPA/dɛlˈfiːn/

Meaning

  • masculine noundolphin

Example

Die Delfine sind sehr intelligent.

Dolphins are very intelligent.

Illustration for Delfin (dolphin)

More examples

Die Wissenschaftler dokumentieren die Kommunikation der Delfine.

The scientists document the communication of dolphins.

Core concept

A sleek sea mammal surfaces to breathe and travels with other dolphins in a social group.

Common phrases

  • das Verhalten von Delfinen

    the behavior of dolphins

  • die Kommunikation der Delfine

    the communication of dolphins

  • in der Nähe von Delfinen

    near dolphins

Similar words

Meeressäuger: A mammal that lives in the sea.
Fisch: A water-dwelling animal that breathes through gills and has scales.
Wal: A very large mammal that lives in the sea.
Tümmler: A small dolphin species often encountered by people.

Definition in German

Großes im Meer lebendes Säugetier mit spitz zulaufendem Maul; atmet Luft an der Oberfläche und lebt oft in sozialen Gruppen.

Word origin

German Delfin comes through Latin delphinus from Greek delphís, with the ancient animal name retained in the borrowed German noun.

Usage tips

  • Delfin is masculine, so the singular uses der Delfin and the plural uses die Delfine.

Related words

  • Delfinschutzdolphin conservationnoun
  • Delfinpopulationpopulation of dolphinsnoun

Word lists with this word