gib Pfote
To say "give me paw" in German, you say gib Pfote.
The phrase gib Pfote is the standard, idiomatic command used by dog owners in Germany to ask a dog to perform the trick of placing its paw in a hand.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase gib Pfote is a literal translation of "give paw", which omits the "me" that is typically found in the English version.
Which one should you use?
While gib Pfote is the standard command, you can also use the more complete sentence Gib mir die Pfote to include the word "me" (mir) and the definite article (die). Another informal option is Zeig mir deine Pfote.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to use a more complete sentence structure that includes the word "me" (mir) and the definite article (die), you would say Gib mir die Pfote.
Did you know?
- The word Pfote is used colloquially in German to describe a person with very large or clumsy hands.
- The spelling of Pfote contains a consonant cluster pf that resulted from an adaptation to Upper German speech patterns over time.
- If you use Pfote in a metaphorical sense, it often implies a heavy-handed or clumsy movement, similar to the English 'pawing' at something.
Examples in context
- Gib Pfote, Bello!Give paw, Bello!
Example conversation
Hannah is training her dog in the park with Felix.
- FelixGib Pfote, kleiner Hund!Give paw, little dog!
- HannahEr ist heute sehr ungeschickt.He is very clumsy today.
- FelixKeine Sorge, er lernt noch.No worries, he is still learning.
- HannahJa, er braucht Zeit.Yes, he needs time.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Pfote, CC BY-SA 4.0.
