großes Schwein
The English phrase "big pig" translates to German as großes Schwein.
The phrase refers to a pig that is large in size.
Which one should you use?
While großes Schwein is the standard way to describe a pig of large size, you can use Riesenschwein to specifically mean a "giant pig" in casual settings or Ein Schwein von beachtlicher Größe to express that a pig is of considerable size in formal contexts.
Did you know?
- If you describe a person as having 'Schwein gehabt', you are actually saying they had 'luck with a pig', meaning they were incredibly lucky.
- In German folklore, the Glücksschwein or 'lucky pig' is a common symbol of good fortune, often appearing as a small figurine during New Year celebrations.
- The German word for pig, Schwein, is a direct linguistic cousin to the English word 'swine', as both descend from the Proto-West Germanic root *swīn.
Examples in context
- Ein großes Schwein kann beeindruckende Ausmaße erreichen.A big pig can reach impressive dimensions.
- Dort drüben steht ein großes Schwein.A big pig is standing over there.
- Das ist ein wirklich großes Schwein.That is a really big pig.
- Wir müssen ein großes Schwein kaufen.We need to buy a big pig.
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are visiting a farm.
- JuliaSchau mal, Maximilian, ein großes Schwein!Look, Maximilian, a big pig!
- MaximilianJa, das ist ein großes Schwein.Yes, that is a big pig.
- JuliaEs ist sehr süß.It is very cute.
- MaximilianEs ist auch sehr groß.It is also very large.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schwein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
