die
Brutzeit
🐣 What exactly is 'die Brutzeit'?
Die Brutzeit (feminine noun, article: die) refers to the period of the year during which animals, especially birds, lay their eggs, incubate them (brüten), and raise their young. It's the phase of reproduction and rearing offspring.
The word is composed of die Brut (the clutch of eggs or the young animals) and die Zeit (the time).
⚠️ Many animal species are particularly sensitive to disturbances during this time (während dieser Zeit). In nature reserves (Naturschutzgebieten), there are often special rules during die Brutzeit.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Time → mostly feminine.
There are many exceptions, e.g. the entire category "Weekdays, months, seasons" (masculine/der).
✍️ Grammar of 'die Brutzeit' in Detail
The noun „Brutzeit“ is feminine. The article is „die“.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Brutzeit |
| Genitive | der | Brutzeit |
| Dative | der | Brutzeit |
| Accusative | die | Brutzeit |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Brutzeiten |
| Genitive | der | Brutzeiten |
| Dative | den | Brutzeiten |
| Accusative | die | Brutzeiten |
Example Sentences in German with English Translation
- Im Frühling beginnt für viele Vögel die Brutzeit.
In spring, the breeding season begins for many birds. - Während der Brutzeit sollte man Nester nicht stören.
During the breeding season, one should not disturb nests. - Die genauen Brutzeiten variieren je nach Tierart und Klima.
The exact breeding seasons vary depending on the animal species and climate.
🗣️ Usage in Daily Life and Technical Language
„Die Brutzeit“ is mainly used in the context of biology, ornithology (the study of birds), and nature conservation (Naturschutz).
- Biology/Ecology: Description of the reproductive cycle (Fortpflanzungszyklus) of animals.
- Nature Conservation: Justification for protective measures (Schutzmaßnahmen), entry bans (Betretungsverbote), or leash requirements for dogs (Leinenpflicht für Hunde) in certain areas.
- Wildlife Watching: Indication of the best time to see young animals (Jungtiere) (from a safe distance!).
In everyday language (im alltäglichen Sprachgebrauch), the word appears less frequently, unless discussing nature topics or pets that breed (e.g., chickens, canaries).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Brutzeit'
Article Mnemonic: The word ends in „-zeit“. Many German words ending in „-zeit“ are feminine (e.g., die Mahlzeit - mealtime, die Freizeit - free time, die Hochzeit - wedding). So: die Zeit -> die Brutzeit.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of birds sitting on their eggs (they brüten - incubate/brood). They do this for a specific Zeit (time). Together, this makes Brutzeit – the time for brooding/breeding.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms
- Brutsaison: (Breeding season) Very similar, often interchangeable.
- Fortpflanzungszeit: (Reproduction period) More general, also includes mating.
- Nistzeit: (Nesting period) Refers specifically to nest building and incubation in birds.
- Setzzeit: (Birthing season) Term used for game animals (mammals) when they give birth.
Antonyms
- Ruhezeit: (Resting period) Time outside the reproductive phase.
- Winterruhe/Winterschlaf: (Hibernation/Winter rest) Specific dormant phases in winter.
- Zugzeit: (Migration period) For migratory birds, the time of migration, often before or after the breeding season.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt ein Vogelkind seine Mutter: „Mama, warum müssen wir während der Brutzeit immer so leise sein?“ Sagt die Mutter: „Damit wir den Storch nicht aufwecken!“
A baby bird asks its mother: "Mom, why do we always have to be so quiet during the breeding season?" The mother replies: "So we don't wake up the stork!"
📜 Poem about the Breeding Season
Im Lenz, wenn alles grünt und lacht,
ist Vogelwelt zur Brut erwacht.
Die Amsel baut, das Rotkehlchen singt,
die Brutzeit neues Leben bringt.
Im Nest ganz leis', die Eier warm,
beschützt vor Kälte und vor Harm.
Die Eltern wachen Tag und Nacht,
bis bald der Nachwuchs ist entfacht.
In spring, when all greens and laughs,
The bird world wakes for brooding tasks.
The blackbird builds, the robin sings,
The breeding season new life brings.
In nest so quiet, eggs kept warm,
Protected from the cold and harm.
The parents watch both day and night,
Until the young ignite their light.
❓ A Little Riddle
Ich bin eine Phase, kein fester Ort,
bin Vögeln heilig, ein wichtiges Wort.
Im Frühling komm ich meistens her,
die Jungenaufzucht fällt nicht schwer?
Pass auf, wo du trittst, sei leis und bedacht,
denn während mir wird Nachwuchs gemacht.
Wer bin ich? ... Die Brutzeit
I am a phase, not a fixed place,
Sacred to birds, an important phrase.
In spring I usually appear,
Raising the young, is it not dear?
Watch where you step, be quiet and keen,
For during me, new offspring are seen.
What am I?
... The breeding season (Die Brutzeit)
🧩 Additional Information
Word Composition:
- Brut: Refers to the incubation of eggs or the brood (young animals of one hatching/birth). Derived from the Old High German word „bruot“ (warmth, hatching).
- Zeit: Means time or period.
Interesting Fact: The exact duration and timing of die Brutzeit heavily depend on the animal species, climatic conditions, and food availability. Some species even have multiple breeding seasons per year.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Brutzeit?
The noun „Brutzeit“ is feminine, so the correct article is die Brutzeit.