Haustier
[ˈhaʊ̯stiːɐ̯]neuter
The German word for pet is Haustier. Wiktionary also lists Heimtier and Stubentier.
Meaning: an animal kept as a companion (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Haustier | [ˈhaʊ̯stiːɐ̯] (narrow) | neuter |
| Heimtier | /ˈhaɪ̯mtiːɐ̯/ | neuter |
| Stubentier | neuter | |
| Lieblingstier | neuter |
The primary way to refer to an animal kept as a companion is Haustier. For a more affectionate or cute tone, you can use the informal diminutive Haustierchen. In very informal settings, you might also hear Fellnase, which literally translates to "fur nose". Additionally, the verb streicheln can be used to mean both fondling or petting an animal and fondling a person amorously.
What does it mean word for word?
Haustier is a compound noun consisting of Haus (house) and Tier (animal), literally meaning "house animal".
Which one should you use?
While Haustier is the standard and most common term, Heimtier is a more formal or technical way to say pet.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All the forms for pet listed are neuter nouns. The plural form of Haustier is Haustiere.
Did you know?
- While Haustier means 'pet', it is also the legal and agricultural term for any 'domesticated animal', including cows and pigs that live in a barn.
- While a pet is a Haustier, the word Stubentier is an older or more playful term that literally means 'room animal'.
- Because Haustier is a neuter noun, you must use the pronoun es when referring to it, even if the pet is a male dog or female cat.
Examples in context
- Hast du ein Haustier?Do you have a pet?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they have a pet using the singular form of Haustier.Tatoeba #1341870 by Zaghawa, translation #953189 by CK
- Habt ihr ein Haustier?Have you got a pet?This sentence is useful for asking a group if they have a pet using the singular form of Haustier.Tatoeba #1341871 by Zaghawa, translation #2612091 by sundown
- Ich will ein Haustier.I want a pet.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to have a pet using the singular form of Haustier.Tatoeba #12511936 by Naina, translation #11885705 by CK
- Mein Kater heißt Felix.My male cat is named Felix.
- Ich habe einen Golden Retriever.I have a Golden Retriever.
- Ich mag kleine Hunde.I like small dogs.
- Meine Katze spielt gerne mit Bällen.My cat likes playing with balls.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are talking about their animals.
- LauraIst dein Hund dein liebstes Haustier?Is your dog your favorite pet?
- JulianJa, er ist ein tolles Haustier.Yes, he is a great pet.
- LauraIch möchte auch so ein Haustier haben.I want to have a pet like that too.
- JulianDann frag doch deine Eltern, Laura.Then just ask your parents, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pet” translations and entries Haustier, Heimtier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
