Tier
/tiːr/neuter
The German word for animal is Tier. It is a neuter noun.
Tier covers any living creature other than a human, from pets to wild animals. The related adjective tierisch means of animals. The compound Tierwelt refers to the animal world or fauna.
Meaning: organism other than human (noun)
Which one should you use?
Lebewesen means living being and is preferred in scientific or academic settings. Geschöpf describes animals in a poetic or philosophical sense. Tierchen is a diminutive for small or cute animals. Vieh refers to livestock rather than animals in general.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Tier is neuter. The plural is Tiere, and the genitive singular is des Tieres or, in a shorter form, with only s added to the noun.
How do you pronounce it?
Tier is pronounced /tiːr/, with a long ee sound.
When do people say it?
Just like in English, calling someone ein Tier can be an insult for brutal or crude behaviour or a compliment for someone incredibly strong or tough.
Did you know?
- In German, the word tierisch can be used as an adverb meaning 'extremely' or 'insanely', such as saying one is tierisch müde (extremely tired).
- The German word Tier is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'deer'. They both descend from the same Proto-Indo-European root.
- The word Vieh is used for livestock but is also used as a harsh insult for people, implying they are mindless or clumsy.
Examples in context
- Er ist ein Tier.He's an animal.Er ist ein Tier. means he's an animal.Tatoeba #1670030 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1669955 by Spamster
- Du bist ein Tier.You're an animal.Du bist ein Tier. uses the informal you.Tatoeba #2630419 by Tamy, translation #2218082 by CK
- Ich bin ein Tier.I'm an animal.Ich bin ein Tier. means I'm an animal.Tatoeba #3542304 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3539281 by adamtrousers
- Ich habe ein Haustier. Es ist ein kleines Tierchen, aber es ist sehr süß.I have a pet. It's a small animal, but it's very cute.
- In unserer Stadt gibt es viele streunende Tiere. Wir sollten uns um ihre Sicherheit kümmern.There are many stray animals in our city. We should take care of their safety.
- Die afrikanische Savanne ist die Heimat vieler exotischer Wildtiere.The African savannah is home to many exotic wild animals.
- 221 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are walking in the forest.
- HannahSchau mal, Lukas, ein Tier!Look, Lukas, an animal!
- LukasWelches Tier meinst du?Which animal do you mean?
- HannahDort im Gebüsch.There in the bushes.
- LukasOh, das ist ein Reh.Oh, that is a deer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “animal” translations and entries Tier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
