Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Welpe | /ˈvɛlpə/ | masculine |
| Hündchen | /ˈhʏnt.çən/ | neuter |
| Hundewelpe | masculine | |
| junger Hund | masculine | |
| Hundebaby | colloquial, neuter |
All the provided terms refer to a young dog. While Welpe is the standard way to describe a puppy by age, other forms can be used to emphasize the dog's small size, its cuteness or to use more emotive language.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Hundewelpe is a compound noun consisting of Hund (dog) and Welpe (puppy).
Which one should you use?
Welpe is the specific term for a puppy based on age. In contrast, Hündchen is a diminutive form used to emphasize that a dog is small or cute. Hundebaby is a more emotive term often used to describe a dog in a cute context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Hundebaby is colloquial and is often used by pet owners or on social media to express affection.
How does it change in a sentence?
Welpe is a weak masculine noun. This means that in the accusative singular case, it takes an -n ending, becoming Welpen (for example, einen Welpen).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvɛlpə/
Did you know?
- German allows for the creation of the word Hundebaby, which blends the German Hunde with the English loanword 'baby'.
- The German word Hund shares an ancient root with the English word 'hound'. Both descend from the Proto-Germanic word hundaz.
- In German, the diminutive suffix used in Hündchen can turn a puppy into a 'little dog' regardless of age. This means an old dog can still be called a Hündchen if it is small and cute.
Examples in context
- Ich will einen Welpen.I want a puppy.This sentence shows how to use the accusative form Welpen.Tatoeba #13684153 by Vortarulo, translation #1183894 by Scott
- Tom rettete den Welpen.Tom rescued the puppy.Tatoeba #10316186 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6826550 by Hybrid
- Der Welpe will schlafen.The puppy wants to sleep.This sentence shows the use of the nominative form Welpe.Tatoeba #8081110 by Luiaard, translation #1616939 by marcelostockle
- Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir sagen, wo ich Hundewelpen adoptieren kann?Excuse me, could you tell me where I can adopt puppies?
- Schau mal, die süßen Welpen im Schaufenster!Look at those cute puppies in the shop window!
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are visiting a pet store.
- HannahSchau mal, wie süß dieser Welpe ist!Look, how cute this puppy is!
- JulianJa, er ist wirklich sehr klein.Yes, he is really very small.
- HannahGlaubst du, der Welpe ist freundlich?Do you think the puppy is friendly?
- JulianSicher, er wedelt schon mit dem Schwanz.Sure, he is already wagging his tail.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “puppy” translations and entries Welpe, Hündchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Hund, Hündchen, Welpe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
