Wasserratte
The English phrase 'water rat' is translated into German as Wasserratte.
Wasserratte refers to the animal species Arvicola amphibius. Informally, the term can also be used in a playful or affectionate manner.
Meaning: Arvicola amphibius (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This is a compound noun made up of Wasser, meaning 'water' and Ratte, meaning 'rat'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is preceded by the definite article die. The plural form of the word is Wasserratten. Because the noun is feminine, the form Wasserratte remains the same in both the nominative and accusative cases.
Did you know?
- In German, calling someone a Wasserratte is a common way to describe a person who loves swimming or spends all their time in the pool.
- In German, the word Ratte often carries a much stronger social stigma than the English 'rat', frequently being used as a harsh insult for a person of low character.
- While Wasserratte is a compliment for a swimmer, German uses other animal nouns to describe hobbyists, such as Bücherwurm for a 'bookworm' or Naschkatze for someone with a sweet tooth.
Examples in context
- Meine Schwester liebt es, am See zu schwimmen. Sie ist eine richtige Wassermaus!My sister loves swimming in the lake. She's a real water rat!
- Schau mal, wie gern unser Hund schwimmt! Er ist wirklich eine Wasserratte.Look how much our dog loves swimming! He's a real water rat.
- Die Wasserratte lebt am Ufer des Sees.The water rat lives on the shore of the lake.
- Ich habe eine Wasserratte im Schilf gesehen.I saw a water rat in the reeds.
- Ist das eine Wasserratte dort im Wasser?Is that a water rat there in the water?
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are walking by a lake.
- JulianSchau mal, ist das eine Wasserratte?Look, is that a water rat?
- LauraJa, das ist genau eine Wasserratte.Yes, that is exactly a water rat.
- JulianSie sieht wirklich süß aus.It looks really cute.
- LauraDas finde ich auch, Julian.I think so too, Julian.
