In German
Schmetterling
Meaning: butterfly
Formal or informal? “Schmetterling” is the standard word and is used everywhere, from children's books to science.
Example sentences
EinSchmetterlingsitztaufderBlume.
A butterfly sits on the flower.
DerSchmetterlingfliegtüberdenGarten.
The butterfly flies over the garden.
Schmetterlingesindwunderschön.
Butterflies are wonderful.
Grammar note
“Der Schmetterling” is masculine, with plural “Schmetterlinge”. It's a compound with no link to the word “Butter”.
Common mistake
Don't think of “Butter” (butter) when you see “Schmetterling”. The word has no butter in it; the spelling is a common trap.
Quick check
Which word means “butterfly”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's the plural of Schmetterling?
“Schmetterlinge”.
What's the German for moth?
“Motte”, a close relative that's usually less colourful.