Esel
/ˈeːzəl/masculine
The German word for donkey is Esel. Wiktionary also lists Grauchen and Grautier.
Meaning: a domestic animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Esel | /ˈeːzəl/ /ˈeːsɛl/ |
masculine |
| Grauchen | /ˈɡʁaʊ̯çən/ | diminutive, neuter |
| Grautier | humorous, neuter |
The primary term for the domestic animal is Esel. Other forms exist to convey humor or to refer to a smaller animal.
Which one should you use?
Esel is the standard masculine noun. For a more humorous or lighthearted tone, you can use the neuter forms Grauchen or Grautier. If you wish to informally refer to a little donkey, you can use Eselchen.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Grauchen and Grautier are humorous, while Eselchen is an informal diminutive.
How does it change in a sentence?
Esel is a masculine noun. Grauchen, Grautier and Eselchen are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeːzəl/
Did you know?
- The term Eselbrücke literally means 'donkey bridge' and is the German word for a mnemonic device used to remember a difficult rule.
- German folklore often portrays the Esel as a symbol of patience and reliability, contrasting with the common insult for stupidity.
- The word Esel is a cognate of the English word 'ass' through their shared roots in Late Latin and Proto-West Germanic.
Examples in context
- Ich habe einen Esel.I have a donkey.This sentence shows the use of Esel in a positive statement.Tatoeba #8082716 by Luiaard, translation #7538261 by CK
- Ich habe keinen Esel.I don't have a donkey.This sentence shows how to negate the possession of an Esel.Tatoeba #10125293 by wolfgangth, translation #7113852 by CM
- Der Esel graste still.The donkey was browsing quietly.This sentence describes the behavior of an Esel.Tatoeba #2718745 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2718252 by Hybrid
- Bitte halten Sie den Esel von meinem Gemüsegarten fern.Please keep the donkey away from my vegetable garden.
- Die Lastesel sind unverzichtbar für den Transport über die Alpen.The burden donkeys are indispensable for transportation across the Alps.
- Komm her, Eselchen! Du hast eine Möhre verdient.Come here, little donkey! You deserve a carrot.
- Dieser dumme Esel hat meine Blumen gefressen!That stupid donkey ate my flowers!
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are visiting a farm together.
- SarahSchau mal, dort drüben steht ein Esel!Look, there is a donkey over there!
- LukasOh ja, der Esel ist wirklich sehr süß.Oh yes, the donkey is really very cute.
- SarahDarf man den Esel füttern?Are we allowed to feed the donkey?
- LukasIch glaube, das ist nicht erlaubt.I think that is not allowed.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “donkey” translations and entries Esel, Grauchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Esel, Grauchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
