Hamster
/ˈhamstɐ/masculine
The German word for hamster is Hamster.
The noun Hamster refers to the rodent species belonging to the Cricetinae. You can also use the related verb hamstern, which means to hoard or stash things away like a hamster.
Meaning: rodent species belonging to the Cricetinae (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Hamster is the general term for the rodent, Zwerghamster is used specifically for dwarf hamsters and Syrischer Goldhamster is used to describe the Syrian golden hamster.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Hamster is a masculine noun. The plural form is also Hamster, and the genitive singular form is Hamsters.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhamstɐ/
Did you know?
- The term Hamsterkäufe refers to 'panic buying' or the act of stockpiling goods during a crisis, derived from the verb hamstern.
- The German word Hamster likely traveled through many more languages before reaching Germany, possibly originating from an ancient Iranian word meaning 'one who throws down' or 'oppressor'.
- In German idioms, the act of hamstern can be used to describe a greedy person who collects wealth or information without sharing.
Examples in context
- Ich habe einen Hamster.I have a hamster.This sentence shows how to express possession of a Hamster.Tatoeba #13968887 by mhr, translation #13968817 by rul
- Kucki ist ein guter Hamstername.Cookie is a good name for a hamster.This sentence illustrates using Hamster when discussing pet names.Tatoeba #12017475 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6250537 by CK
- Tom nannte seinen Hamster Cookie.Tom named his hamster Cookie.This sentence demonstrates using Hamster in the context of naming a pet.Tatoeba #10103625 by wolfgangth, translation #3130024 by CK
- Schau dir diesen niedlichen Hamster an!Look at this adorable hamster!
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are looking at a pet shop window.
- HannahSiehst du den kleinen Hamster dort?Do you see the little hamster there?
- FelixJa, der Hamster ist sehr süß.Yes, the hamster is very cute.
- HannahMöchtest du einen Hamster als Haustier?Would you like a hamster as a pet?
- FelixNein, ich möchte lieber einen Hund.No, I would prefer a dog.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hamster” translations and entries Hamster, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Hamster, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
