How to Say "Wren" in German - How To Say Guide

Zaunkönig

[ˈt͡saʊ̯nkøːnɪç]masculine

The German word for wren is Zaunkönig.

Zaunkönig is a masculine noun used to refer to the bird of the family Troglodytidae.

Meaning: bird of family Troglodytidae (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is a compound of Zaun (fence) and König (king).

The plural form of Zaunkönig is Zaunkönige.

The name Zaunkönig reflects a common European folk belief that the wren is the 'king' of all birds because it used to trick larger birds into a singing contest to win the crown.
Because the Zaunkönig is so small and elusive, it often appears in German literature as a metaphor for a modest person with hidden authority or greatness.
In some German regional traditions, the Zaunkönig is associated with the winter solstice and is sometimes seen as a symbol of rebirth and the coming spring.

Ich glaube, ich habe noch nie einen Zaunkönig in freier Wildbahn gesehen. Du etwa?
I don't think I've ever seen a wren in the wild. Have you?
This sentence shows how to talk about whether one has seen a Zaunkönig in the wild.
Tatoeba #13851036 by Vortarulo, translation #13852680 by araneo
Ein Zaunkönig hüpfte auf Futtersuche im Schnee umher.
A wren was hopping about in the snow, looking for food.
This sentence describes a Zaunkönig hopping in the snow while looking for food.
Tatoeba #7762988 by raggione, translation #9199991 by sundown
Der Zaunkönig hat ein kleines und zierliches Federkleid.
The wren has a small and delicate plumage.
Wusstest du, dass der Zaunkönig zu den kleinsten Vögeln in Deutschland gehört?
Did you know that the wren is one of the smallest birds in Germany?
Der Zaunkönig hat eine sehr laute Stimme.
The wren has a very loud voice.

Lukas and Julia are walking through a forest in spring.

Lukas

Hörst du den Gesang vom Zaunkönig?
Do you hear the song of the wren?
Julia

Ja, er singt direkt in dem Busch.
Yes, he is singing right in that bush.
Lukas

Er ist so klein, aber sehr aktiv.
He is so small, but very active.
Julia

Das stimmt, der kleine Vogel ist toll.
That's true, the little bird is great.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏