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Schwertwal

orca

noun SHVAIRT-vaal Rare

Also means

killer whale

Usage Note

Schwertwal (Orcinus orca) is named for its tall Schwertflosse (dorsal fin, literally 'sword fin'); occasional sightings in the North Sea make German news. The term is used in scientific and popular contexts; Orca is also common.

Examples

"Ein Schwertwal wurde in der Nordsee vor Schottland gesichtet."

Natural Translation

An orca was spotted in the North Sea off Scotland.

Literal Translation

An orca was in the North-Sea before Scotland spotted.

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