Giraffe
/ɡiˈʁafə/feminine
The English word 'giraffe' is translated into German as Giraffe.
Giraffe refers to the long-necked mammal.
Meaning: mammal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Giraffe is a feminine noun, which means it uses the definite article die (die Giraffe). The plural form of the word is Giraffen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡiˈʁafə/
Did you know?
- Because Giraffe is feminine, German speakers use die even when referring to a male giraffe unless they specifically need to clarify the gender.
- The term for 'giraffe' in German does not have a native Proto-Germanic root because the animal was unknown in Europe during the formation of the language.
- The German word Giraffe entered the language through multiple paths, coming both from Italian giraffa and directly from Arabic zarāfa via travel reports.
Examples in context
- Tom sah eine Giraffe.Tom saw a giraffe.This sentence shows how to use Giraffe in the context of seeing one.Tatoeba #8274165 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7060032 by Hybrid
- Ich sehe eine Giraffe.I see a giraffe.This sentence shows how to use Giraffe when describing an action in the present tense.Tatoeba #1842029 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1841662 by CK
- Wir haben eine Giraffe.We have a giraffe.This sentence shows how to use Giraffe when expressing possession.Tatoeba #10103647 by wolfgangth, translation #8609381 by shekitten
- Schau mal, da ist eine Giraffe!Look, there's a giraffe!
- Schauen Sie sich das an, dort ist eine Giraffe!Take a look, there's a giraffe!
- Hatten Sie bereits Kenntnis davon, dass eine Giraffe über einen unglaublich langen Hals verfügt?Were you already aware that a giraffe has an incredibly long neck?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are visiting the zoo.
- JuliaSchau mal, dort steht eine Giraffe!Look, there is a giraffe standing there!
- FelixJa, die Giraffe ist wirklich groß.Yes, the giraffe is really big.
- JuliaSie hat einen sehr langen Hals.She has a very long neck.
- FelixDas stimmt, sie ist faszinierend.That's true, she is fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “giraffe” translations and entries Giraffe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Giraffe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
