Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hundehütte | masculine | |
| Zwinger | /ˈt͡svɪŋɐ/ | masculine |
| Hundezwinger | /ˈhʊndəˌt͡svɪŋɐ/ (Germany) /ˈhʊndɛˌt͡svɪŋɐ/ |
masculine |
In German, the term for kennel depends on the type of shelter you are describing. Use Hundehütte for a small, individual shelter or a wooden house for a single dog. For a larger, fenced-in enclosure or a run, such as those found in zoos or for multiple dogs, use Zwinger or Hundezwinger. Note that if you mean a facility for rescuing animals, you should use Tierheim (animal shelter) and if you are referring to a specific dog cage, use Hundekäfig.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Hundehütte is a compound made of Hund (dog) and Hütte (hut/shack).
Which one should you use?
Hundehütte refers specifically to a small, individual shelter or wooden house for a single dog. In contrast, Zwinger refers to a larger enclosure or a fenced-in run, often used in zoos or for holding multiple dogs.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German, the variation Hundehüsli may be used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Hundehütte is Hundehütten, while the plural of Zwinger remains Zwinger.
Did you know?
- In a historical context, a Zwinger was not a dog enclosure but a defensive courtyard located between a city wall and a barbican.
- The word Hütte in Hundehütte is used for everything from a basic shack to a cozy mountain lodge in the Alps.
- The word Zwinger comes from the verb zwingen, which means 'to force' or 'to constrain'.
Examples in context
- Die Hundehütte ist neu.The kennel is new.This sentence is useful for describing the condition of the Hundehütte.Tatoeba #4767485 by Esperantostern, translation #11042232 by sundown
- Unser Hund ist im Zwinger.Our dog is in the kennel.This sentence is useful for stating that a dog is inside a Zwinger.Tatoeba #2112528 by Esperantostern, translation #65559 by CK
- Unser Hund ist in seiner Hundehütte.Our dog is in its kennel.This sentence is useful for describing where a dog is located within its Hundehütte.Tatoeba #8583997 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #12181009 by sundown
- Der Hundezwinger ist geräumig und gut ausgestattet.The kennel is spacious and well-equipped.
- Mein Hund verbringt seine Zeit gerne in der Hundehütte.My dog enjoys spending time in the kennel/doghouse.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are talking about their dog in the garden.
- SarahWo schläft der Hund heute Nacht?Where is the dog sleeping tonight?
- FelixEr schläft in seiner Hundehütte.He is sleeping in his kennel.
- SarahIst die Hundehütte groß genug?Is the kennel big enough?
- FelixJa, Felix hat sie extra groß gekauft.Yes, Felix bought it extra large.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kennel” translations and entries Hundehütte, Zwinger, Hundezwinger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Hundehütte, Hundezwinger, Zwinger, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
