Planet

/ˈplaːnɛt/
a celestial body orbiting a star

Die Erde ist ein Planet im Sonnensystem.

Earth is a planet in the solar system.


astronomy

A celestial body that orbits a star and is massive enough to be rounded by its own gravity but not so massive that it causes thermonuclear fusion.

Mars ist der vierte Planet von der Sonne.

Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun.

In astronomy, planets are distinct from stars, moons, and other celestial objects.

figurative

A place or environment that is considered to be a distinct sphere of activity or influence.

Das Internet ist ein Planet voller Möglichkeiten.

The internet is a planet full of possibilities.

This figurative use is less common but can be found in creative or metaphorical contexts.

Collocations

Planet ErdeEarthPlanetenwegplanet trailPlanetenmodellplanetary model

Antonyms

Related Phrases

auf einem anderen Planeten lebenphrase
to live in a different world (figurative)

Pro Tip

Capitalization in German

In German, nouns like 'Planet' are always capitalized, unlike in English where only proper nouns are capitalized.

Gold Rule

Scientific vs. Figurative Use

The primary meaning of 'Planet' is astronomical, but it can also be used figuratively to describe a distinct sphere of influence.

Word Origin

From Latin 'planeta,' meaning 'wandering star,' derived from Greek 'planētēs,' referring to celestial bodies that appear to move across the sky.

Usage Notes

The term 'Planet' is capitalized in German when referring to a specific planet (e.g., 'Mars ist ein Planet'). In English, it is only capitalized as a proper noun (e.g., 'Earth is a planet').

Word Breakdown

planet
wandering star
root
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch