Tiere
The English phrase "animals" is translated into German as Tiere.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of Tiere is Tier. The noun Tier is neuter, so the singular definite article is das (das Tier, meaning "the animal"). The plural form Tiere uses the definite article die (die Tiere, meaning "the animals"). When used without an article, Tiere refers to animals in a general sense.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Tier is used in the phrase Tierisch to mean 'extremely' or 'insanely'. For example, tierisch hunger means being 'starving' or 'animalistically hungry'.
- The word Tier shares a distant root with the English word 'deer', though in modern German, a deer is specifically called ein Reh or ein Hirsch.
- German laws are so specific about Tiere that some legal texts historically categorized certain animals as 'things' (Sachen), though modern laws now treat them as distinct entities with specific protections.
Examples in context
- Ich mag alle Tiere.I like all animals.This sentence demonstrates expressing a preference for all animals using Tiere.Tatoeba #10095845 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10095800 by CK
- Ich mag keine Tiere.I don't like animals.This sentence shows how to say you do not like animals using Tiere.Tatoeba #4875486 by nubok, translation #4875305 by zvzuibqx
- Er quält keine Tiere.He isn't cruel to animals.This sentence illustrates the concept of not being cruel to animals using Tiere.Tatoeba #3076460 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #280215 by CM
- 412 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are visiting a local zoo.
- SarahHier gibt es viele exotische Tiere.There are many exotic animals here.
- MaximilianJa, die Tiere sind wirklich faszinierend.Yes, the animals are truly fascinating.
- SarahSchau mal, welche Tiere sind das?Look, what animals are those?
- MaximilianDas sind kleine Lemuren.Those are little lemurs.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
