Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Häschen | /ˈhɛːsçən/ | diminutive, neuter |
| Kaninchen | /kaˈniːnçən/ | neuter |
| Hoppelhäslein | diminutive, neuter | |
| Karnickel | /kaʁˈnɪkəl/ | colloquial, neuter |
| Schlappohr | humorous, neuter |
In German, you can refer to a young rabbit using several different terms depending on whether you want to be biologically accurate or affectionate. Kaninchen is the standard term for a rabbit, while Häschen is used as an affectionate, "cute" way to refer to one, much like the English "bunny". For a specific pet, you might use Haustierkaninchen (pet bunny).
What does it mean word for word?
Häschen is a diminutive form of Hase (hare/rabbit), created by adding the suffix -chen to mean "little bunny".
Which one should you use?
Kaninchen is the standard biological term for a rabbit. In contrast, Häschen is the more affectionate way to refer to one. Hoppelhäslein is another diminutive form, and Karnickel is a playful, colloquial term. Finally, Schlappohr is a humorous term that literally translates to "floppy ear".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Häschen is an informal term of endearment for a bunny. Karnickel is a colloquial and slightly playful term used in casual speech. Schlappohr is used in a humorous register.
How does it change in a sentence?
All diminutive forms, such as Häschen and Hoppelhäslein, are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhɛːsçən/
When do people say it?
In German culture, the term Osterhase is used to refer to the Easter bunny.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Häschen can be used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner, similar to calling someone 'honey' or 'sweetie'.
- The standard term Kaninchen actually comes from Old French and Latin, rather than being an ancient Germanic word.
- The term Schlappohr refers specifically to the 'floppy ear', but it can be used to describe a person who is perceived as clumsy or slow.
Examples in context
- Das war ein böses Häschen.That was an evil bunny.This sentence uses Häschen.Tatoeba #1674112 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1289 by djinni74
- Es war ein böses Kaninchen.It was an evil bunny.This sentence uses Kaninchen.Tatoeba #1757076 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1757075 by Shadd
- Maria trug Häschenhausschuhe.Mary wore bunny slippers.Tatoeba #4211669 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4211663 by Hybrid
- Ich habe gestern ein niedliches Kaninchen im Park gesehen.Yesterday, I saw a cute bunny in the park.
- Das Kind freute sich über den kleinen Hasen.The child was delighted about the little bunny.
- Hast du das süße Karnickel im Garten gesehen?Did you see the cute bunny in the garden?
- Oh, schau mal, ein niedliches Häschen!Oh, look, a cute little bunny!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are visiting a small petting zoo.
- HannahSchau mal, ein kleines Häschen!Look, a little bunny!
- MaximilianEs ist wirklich sehr süß.It is really very cute.
- HannahSoll ich das Häschen füttern?Should I feed the bunny?
- MaximilianJa, mach das bitte, Hannah.Yes, please do that, Hannah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bunny” translations and entries Häschen, Kaninchen, Karnickel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Häschen, Kaninchen, Karnickel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
