Bestie
/ˈbɛsti̯ə/feminine
The English word "beast" can be translated into German as either Tier or Bestie.
Meaning: non-human animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bestie | /ˈbɛsti̯ə/ | feminine |
| Tier | /tiːr/ | neuter |
Both terms refer to non-human animals, but they carry very different connotations. Bestie is used to describe a creature perceived as dangerous, cruel or monstrous. This can be applied figuratively to describe a person with a predatory or cruel nature. In a religious context, Tier can also refer to the figure mentioned in the Book of Revelation.
Which one should you use?
Use Tier as a neutral, general term for any animal. In contrast, Bestie is a negative term implying a more ferocious, monstrous or personified creature that is perceived as sinister.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the neuter noun Tier is Tiere. The feminine noun Bestie becomes Bestien in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɛsti̯ə/
Did you know?
- The German word Tier is an unexpected linguistic relative of the English word 'deer'.
- In German fairy tales, the 'beast' in 'Beauty and the Beast' is translated as das Biest, a close relative and doublet of Bestie.
- Because Bestie is feminine, it requires the feminine article die, even if the 'beast' being described is biologically male.
Examples in context
- Das liegt in der Natur der Bestie.That's the nature of the beast.This sentence shows how to use Bestie in an idiomatic expression about nature.Tatoeba #3550678 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11866873 by sundown
- Ein seltsames Tier streunt im Wald umher.A strange beast is roaming through the woods.This sentence uses Tier to describe an animal roaming the woods.Tatoeba #7998881 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5373768 by Hybrid
- Musik hat den Reiz ein wildes Tier zu beruhigen.Music has charms to soothe the savage beast.This sentence uses Tier in a figurative context regarding calming a wild creature.Tatoeba #706225 by Esperantostern, translation #694032 by darinmex
- Das Biest im Wald wurde von den Dorfbewohnern gefürchtet und vermieden.The beast in the forest was feared and avoided by the villagers.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are looking at a large creature in a fantasy book.
- MaximilianWas ist das für eine Bestie?What kind of beast is that?
- SarahDas ist ein Drache aus dem Wald.That is a dragon from the forest.
- MaximilianDie Bestie sieht wirklich gefährlich aus.The beast looks really dangerous.
- SarahJa, aber sie ist eigentlich ganz friedlich.Yes, but it is actually quite peaceful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beast” translations and entries Bestie, Tier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bestie, Tier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
