Mops
/mɔps/masculine
The English phrase 'pug' can be translated into German as Mops. Wiktionary also lists Mopshund.
Meaning: small dog (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mops | /mɔps/ | masculine |
| Mopshund | masculine |
An informal and affectionate way to refer to a pug is Mopsi.
Which one should you use?
Mops is the standard word for the breed, whereas Mopshund is a more descriptive way to say 'pug dog'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Mops and Mopshund are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɔps/
Did you know?
- In German, Mops is not just a dog breed but also a common colloquial term for a plump or chubby person.
- Some historians believe Mops might have started as a malicious play on the word mop, which was an old slur for Germans.
- The term Mops is so ingrained in German culture that it is occasionally used in children's stories to personify animals with funny, expressive faces.
Examples in context
- Die hat doch einen am Wandern. Die hat einen Mops, den sie Prinzessin nennt und der seine Mahlzeiten am Tisch mit der Familie von einem Porzellanteller zu sich nimmt.The woman is crazy, that's what. She has a pug dog she calls Queenie and it has its meals at the table along with the family, eating off a china plate.This sentence is useful for seeing how Mops is used when describing a pet's behavior and lifestyle.Tatoeba #11783277 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6000111 by Hybrid
- Der Mops ist eine lustige und verspielte Rasse.The pug is a funny and playful breed.
- Die Möpse sind in Deutschland sehr beliebt.Pugs are very popular in Germany.
- Der Kurzhaar-Mops gilt als besonders pflegeleicht.The short-haired pug is considered particularly easy to care for.
- Schau dir dieses süße Möpschen an!Look at this cute little pug!
- Der Mops schläft auf dem Sofa.The pug is sleeping on the sofa.
- Ich möchte gerne einen Mops kaufen.I would like to buy a pug.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about pets at a park.
- JulianIst das dein Mops?Is that your pug?
- SarahJa, er ist sehr lieb.Yes, he is very sweet.
- JulianEr sieht sehr süß aus.He looks very cute.
- SarahDanke, Julian!Thanks, Julian!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pug” translations and entries Mops, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Mops, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
