Nilpferd
/ˈniːlˌp͡feːɐ̯t/
The German word for hippo is Nilpferd.
The word refers to the large, semiaquatic mammal with grey skin and a wide mouth.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Nilpferd is a compound noun consisting of Nil (Nile) and Pferd (horse).
How does it change in a sentence?
Nilpferd is a neuter noun, meaning it is used with the definite article das (das Nilpferd). The plural form is Nilpferde.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈniːlˌpfeːɐ̯t/
Did you know?
- The word Nilpferd shares an identical structural logic with the Dutch word nijlpaard. Both languages used the same method to translate the Greek concept into their own tongues.
- In German, nouns like Nilpferd are always capitalized, regardless of where they appear in a sentence.
- Because German uses compound nouns, if a speaker wanted to describe a 'hippo-breeding-program', they would combine those words into one giant word without spaces.
Examples in context
- Ich sah ein Nilpferd im Zoo.I saw a hippo at the zoo.This sentence shows how to use Nilpferd to describe seeing one at a zoo.Tatoeba #4724714 by bonny37, translation #4718983 by hinto4
- Ein glückliches Nilpferd schwimmt im See.A happy hippo is swimming in the lake.This sentence illustrates how to use Nilpferd in the context of an animal swimming in a lake.Tatoeba #11504895 by carlosalberto, translation #11504847 by carlosalberto
- Das Nilpferd schwimmt im Fluss.The hippo is swimming in the river.
- Das Flusspferd brüllt laut.The hippo is roaring loudly.
- Ich habe gestern ein Hippo im Zoo gesehen.I saw a hippo at the zoo yesterday.
- Das Nilpferdchen planscht im Wasser.The little hippo is splashing in the water.
- Lass uns die süßen Flusspferdchen im Zoo besuchen.Let's visit the cute little hippos at the zoo.
- Das Nilpferd hat ein sehr großes Maul.The hippo has a very large mouth.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are walking through a zoo.
- JulianSchau mal, dort ist ein Nilpferd!Look, there is a hippo over there!
- SarahOh, das Nilpferd ist wirklich beeindruckend.Oh, the hippo is truly impressive.
- JulianEs spielt im Wasser.It is playing in the water.
- SarahJa, es sieht sehr zufrieden aus.Yes, it looks very content.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Nilpferd, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nilpferd, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
