Katze
/ˈkatsə/feminine, masculine
The English word cat is translated into German as Katze. Wiktionary also lists Kater and Kätzin.
Meaning: domestic species (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Katze | /ˈkatsə/ /ˈkɑtːsə/ |
feminine, masculine |
| Kater | /ˈkaː.tɐ/ | masculine |
| Kätzin | /ˈkɛtsɪn/ | feminine |
| Pantoffeltiger | humorous, masculine | |
| Chatz | Alemannic German, feminine | |
| Katz | [kat͡s] (narrow) | feminine |
| Kotz | feminine | |
| Kåtz | feminine | |
| Kåda | masculine |
This term refers to the domestic species of cat.
Which one should you use?
While Katze can be used to refer to a cat in general, it is the grammatically feminine form used specifically for female cats. If you want to specify a male cat, use Kater.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For an informal or affectionate way to refer to a kitten or a cat, you can use Kätzchen. The term Pantoffeltiger is a humorous way to describe a pampered house cat.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Alemannic German, the feminine form Chatz is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Katze is Katzen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkatsə/
Did you know?
- The word Kater has a second meaning in German that refers to a hangover. It is a humorous play on the word Katarrh and the expression Katzenjammer.
- The word Pantoffeltiger literally translates to 'slipper tiger'. While it refers to a house cat, it is also used as a slang term for a husband who is henpecked by his wife.
- In German, the word Katzenjammer describes the misery and mourning felt after a night of heavy drinking. It literally translates to 'cats' wailing'.
Examples in context
- Wo ist die Katze?Where's the cat?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the Katze.Tatoeba #1687842 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1664246 by Spamster
- Es ist ein Katze.It is a cat.This sentence is useful for identifying a Katze.Tatoeba #10103628 by wolfgangth, translation #3430941 by neron
- Sie sah die Katze.She saw the cat.This sentence is useful for describing the action of seeing a Katze.Tatoeba #10010538 by wolfgangth, translation #8651487 by CH
- Oh, so süß! Ein kleines Kätzchen!Oh, so cute! A little kitten!
- 1313 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are at a friend's house.
- LauraWie süß ist diese Katze!How cute this cat is!
- MaximilianJa, sie ist wirklich sehr lieb.Yes, she is really very sweet.
- LauraDarf ich die Katze streicheln?May I pet the cat?
- MaximilianJa, Laura, sie mag das sehr.Yes, Laura, she likes that very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cat” translations and entries Katze, Kater, Kätzin, Katz, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kater, Katze, Kätzin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
