German word

Schmetterling

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃmɛtɐlɪŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbutterfly

Example

Im Garten sehe ich viele Schmetterlinge.

In the garden, I see many butterflies.

Illustration for Schmetterling (butterfly)

More examples

Der Lebensraum für Schmetterlinge schrumpft durch den Einsatz von Pestiziden.

The habitat for butterflies is shrinking due to the use of pesticides.

Core concept

A delicate, colorful winged flier moves from flower to flower; in swimming, the same name describes a matching wing stroke.

Common phrases

  • Nahrung für Schmetterlinge

    food for butterflies

  • Lebensraum für Schmetterlinge

    habitat for butterflies

  • Schutz für Schmetterlinge

    protection for butterflies

Similar words

Falter: A small insect often seen by day, with clearly marked wings.

Definition in German

Ein kleines, fliegendes Insekt mit auffälligen, oft farbigen Flügeln, das Blüten aufsucht.

Word origin

The noun continues Middle High German smetterling and contains the suffix -ling, while its traditional link to Schmetten 'cream' has an uncertain original motivation.

Usage tips

  • Schmetterling is masculine, with der Schmetterling in the singular and die Schmetterlinge in the plural.

Other meanings

  • butterfly strokenoun

Related words

  • schmetterlingsfreundlichbutterfly-friendlyadjective
  • Schmetterlingsnetzbutterfly netnoun

Word lists with this word