Schmetterling

German

Etymology

From Schmetten (“cream”) due to old belief that witches transformed themselves into butterflies to steal cream and other milk products. (Compare etymology of English butterfly.)

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈʃmɛtɐlɪŋ/

Noun

Schmetterling m (genitive Schmetterlings or Schmetterlinges, plural Schmetterlinge)

1. butterfly (insect)
2. butterfly (swimming stroke)

Synonyms

• (insect): (poetic) Falter, (Swiss German) Summervogl
• (swimming stroke): Delphin

Derived terms

• Schmetterlingsblütler
• Schmetterlingsfisch
• Schmetterlingsnetz
• Schmetterlingsstil

See also

Motte, Nachtfalter

Raupe