Gifteiche
The English phrase "poison oak" is translated into German as Gifteiche.
Gifteiche refers to the North American plant known for causing an itchy skin rash upon contact.
Did you know?
- The word Gift comes from the Old High German word gift, meaning 'something given'. This is why it shares a root with the English 'gift', as both medicines and poisons were once seen as 'given' doses.
- German uses the word Eiche for 'oak' in Gifteiche, but the plant is not actually a true oak. The name is a descriptive label based on the leaf shape rather than a botanical classification.
- If you see a sign in a German park warning about Gifteiche, it is likely a warning for tourists or hikers, as the plant is not native to Europe and would not be found in a typical German forest.
Examples in context
- Vorsicht, das ist eine Gifteiche!Watch out, that is a poison oak!
- Die Gifteiche verursacht einen starken Juckreiz.The poison oak causes severe itching.
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are hiking in a forest.
- FelixLaura, pass auf die Pflanze auf!Laura, watch out for that plant!
- LauraWarum? Ist das eine Gifteiche?Why? Is that a poison oak?
- FelixJa, sie sieht genau so aus.Yes, it looks exactly like it.
- LauraDanke, ich werde sie nicht berühren.Thanks, I won't touch it.
