Rüde
/ˈʁyːdə/
The English phrase "male dog" is translated into German as Rüde.
Rüde is the technical and precise term used by breeders and in formal contexts to distinguish a male dog from a female.
Which one should you use?
While Rüde refers specifically to a male dog, Hündin is the specific term for a female dog. Another way to refer to a male dog formally is by using the phrase männlicher Hund.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Rüde is Rüden.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁyːdə/
Did you know?
- Be careful with your capitalization and spelling, because the noun Rüde means 'male dog' while the lowercase adjective rüde means 'rude' or 'brutal'.
- The word Rüde may have evolved from an ancient root meaning 'to snore'.
- The German word Rüde is a distant relative of the Dutch word reu, which also describes a male dog.
Examples in context
- Mein Nachbar hat einen Labrador-Rüden namens Max.My neighbor has a male Labrador named Max.
- Wir suchen nach einem ausgebildeten Rüden zur Zucht.We are looking for a trained male dog for breeding.
- Der Polizeihund ist ein männlicher Hund.The police dog is a male dog.
- Wir haben einen männlichen Hund als Geschenk erhalten.We received a male dog as a gift.
- Unser neuer Rüde hört auf den Namen Ben.Our new male dog goes by the name Ben.
- Hast du einen Rüden oder eine Hündin?Do you have a male dog or a female dog?
- Komm, Bub, lass uns eine Runde Gassi gehen!Come here, boy, let's go for a walk!
- Der Rüde ist sehr ruhig.The male dog is very calm.
- Wir suchen einen jungen Rüden.We are looking for a young male dog.
- Ist das ein Rüde?Is that a male dog?
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are at a dog breeder's house.
- MaximilianIst dieser Rüde gesund?Is this male dog healthy?
- HannahJa, er ist sehr fit.Yes, he is very fit.
- MaximilianEr sieht sehr freundlich aus.He looks very friendly.
- HannahDas stimmt, er ist lieb.That's true, he is sweet.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Rüde, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Rüde, rüde, CC BY-SA 4.0.
