Stier
/ʃtiːɐ̯/masculine
The German word for 'bull' is Stier or Bulle.
Meaning: uncastrated adult male bovine (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stier | /ʃtiːɐ̯/ | masculine |
| Bulle | /ˈbʊlə/ | masculine |
Both words refer to an uncastrated adult male bovine. In compound words, you may see related forms such as Bullenreiten (bull riding) or Bullenschädel (bull's skull). Additionally, the forms Bullen- or bullen- can be used as an adjective meaning large and strong.
Which one should you use?
Stier is the preferred term in technical, biological or formal contexts, such as describing a specific breed or a bull in a bullfighting ring. While Bulle also means bull, it is also used in German slang as a common derogatory term for a police officer.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Stier is a masculine noun. Its plural is Stiere. Although Bulle is listed as a masculine noun, it is also grammatically feminine and its plural form is Bullen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtiːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- A papal bull, the formal decree of a pope, is called a Bulle in German, referring to the lead seal used to authenticate the document.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Bulle.It's a bull.This sentence is useful for identifying a Bulle.Tatoeba #8826253 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8825923 by danepo
- Der Stier entkam aus dem Ring.The bull escaped from the ring.This sentence is useful for describing a Stier escaping a ring.Tatoeba #3004965 by Aldieistee, translation #868956 by ColinG
- Dieser Bulle wird morgen Abend geopfert.This bull will be sacrificed tomorrow evening.This sentence is useful for discussing a Bulle being sacrificed.Tatoeba #7603223 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7593133 by feudalism
- Der Stier ist ein imposantes Tier.The bull is an imposing animal.
- Schau mal, da ist ein großer Bulle!Look, there's a big bull!
- Die Stiere kämpfen um die Vorherrschaft.The bulls are fighting for dominance.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are looking at a farm from a distance.
- FelixSiehst du den Stier dort?Do you see the bull there?
- SarahJa, er ist beeindruckend.Yes, he is impressive.
- FelixDer Stier sieht gefährlich aus.The bull looks dangerous.
- SarahBleib bitte hinter dem Zaun, Felix.Please stay behind the fence, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bull” translations and entries Stier, Bulle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bulle, Stier, stier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
