Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Pferd | /pfeːrt/ /feːrt/ |
feminine, masculine, neuter |
| Ross | /ʁɔs/ | feminine, masculine, neuter |
| Roß | /ʁɔs/ /ʁoːs/ |
neuter |
| Gaul | /ɡaʊ̯l/ | feminine, inferior, masculine, regional |
| Hengst | /hɛŋst/ | masculine |
| Pferdehengst | masculine | |
| Stute | /ˈʃtuːtə/ | feminine |
| Pferdestute | feminine | |
| Hengstfohlen | neuter | |
| Hengstfüllen | neuter | |
| Stutenfohlen | neuter | |
| Stutfohlen | neuter | |
| Stutenfüllen | neuter | |
| Stutfüllen | neuter | |
| Rössel | /ˈʁœsl̩/ | feminine, masculine, neuter, regional |
| Rössl | South German, feminine, masculine, neuter | |
| Rössle | South German, feminine, masculine, neuter |
The term is used to refer to members of the species Equus ferus.
Which one should you use?
While Pferd is the general term for the species, you can use more specific words depending on the horse's sex or age. Hengst refers specifically to a stallion, and Stute refers specifically to a mare. For young horses, you may see forms like Hengstfohlen, Stutfohlen, Hengstfüllen, Stutfüllen, Stutfohlen and Stutenfüllen, which all denote a foal (Fohlen). The form Roß is a neuter variation of Ross.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The choice of word often depends on the desired tone. Ross is a literary and poetic term, often translated as 'steed' in historical or epic contexts. Conversely, Gaul is a colloquial or derogatory term used to describe an inferior, old or poor-quality horse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South Germany, the diminutive forms Rössle and Rössl are used. The word Rössel is also used regionally and can be masculine, feminine or neuter. Gaul is also noted as a regional term.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Pferd is masculine, feminine or neuter. The plural form of Pferd is Pferde.
How do you pronounce it?
/pfeːrt/
Did you know?
- The standard German word Pferd originally described a 'substitute post horse' in Late Latin. This suggests that the word for 'horse' in general actually began as a term for a specific replacement animal.
- Depending on the region of Germany, the diminutive Rössel can be treated as masculine, feminine or neuter.
Examples in context
- Es ist ein Pferd.It's a horse.This sentence demonstrates the use of Pferd to identify a horse.Tatoeba #8871108 by wolfgangth, translation #3640592 by Ricardo14
- Wo ist das Pferd?Where is the horse?This sentence shows how to ask for the location of the Pferd.Tatoeba #9493590 by Yorwba, translation #5228478 by solejar
- Er fiel vom Pferd.He fell off the horse.This sentence illustrates the prepositional use of Pferd in a phrase about falling.Tatoeba #714527 by Manfredo, translation #302383 by CK
- Ich habe ein PferdI have a horse
- Ein schwarzes RossA black horse
- Lass uns auf dem Gaul reiten!Let's ride on the horse!
- Ich habe einen RappenI have a black horse
- Auf geht's, Rössle!Let's go, horsie!
- 483 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are visiting a farm.
- MaximilianSiehst du das große Pferd dort?Do you see that big horse there?
- LauraJa, das Pferd sieht sehr ruhig aus.Yes, the horse looks very calm.
- MaximilianIch möchte gerne ein Pferd reiten.I would like to ride a horse.
- LauraDas ist eine gute Idee, Maximilian.That is a good idea, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “horse” translations and entries Pferd, Ross, Roß, Gaul, Hengst, Stute, Rössel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gaul, Pferd, Ross, Roß, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
