Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kaninchen | /kaˈniːnçən/ | neuter |
| Karnickel | /kaʁˈnɪkəl/ | colloquial, neuter |
| Schlappohr | humorous, neuter |
The most common term for a rabbit in German is Kaninchen. While Kaninchen specifically refers to the domestic rabbit, the word Hase is used to refer to a wild hare.
What does it mean word for word?
The humorous term Schlappohr literally means 'floppy ear'.
Which one should you use?
Kaninchen is the standard term for a domestic rabbit, whereas Hase refers to a wild hare. For a more informal tone, you can use Karnickel and for a humorous effect, you can use Schlappohr.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Kaninchen is the standard, most common way to say rabbit. Karnickel is a colloquial and more informal term. Schlappohr is a humorous way to refer to one.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kaninchen is a neuter noun. It is indeclinable, which means its form does not change when used in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈniːnçən/
When do people say it?
In an endearing or cute context, much like using 'bunny' in English, one might use the term Hasi to refer to a rabbit.
Did you know?
- The Latin ancestor of Kaninchen is cunīculus, which originally referred to a burrow or a small tunnel rather than the animal itself.
Examples in context
- Das Kaninchen isst die Möhre.The rabbit is eating the carrot.This sentence shows the use of Kaninchen in the context of eating.Tatoeba #1682553 by Zaghawa, translation #1491083 by AlanF_US
- Der Hund jagte das Kaninchen.The dog ran after the rabbit.This sentence shows how Kaninchen is used as an object being chased.Tatoeba #2790432 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #239156 by CK
- Ein Kaninchen hat lange Ohren.A rabbit has long ears.This sentence uses Kaninchen to describe a physical characteristic.Tatoeba #1281132 by Esperantostern, translation #65634 by Lumi
- Das Kaninchen hoppelt gerne im Garten herum.The rabbit likes to hop around in the garden.
- Der Hase gehört zur Familie der Hasenartigen.The rabbit belongs to the family of lagomorphs.
- Komm her, Hasi!Come here, bunny!
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are visiting a small petting zoo.
- MaximilianSchau mal, dort ist ein Kaninchen!Look, there is a rabbit over there!
- JuliaOh, das Kaninchen ist wirklich süß.Oh, the rabbit is really cute.
- MaximilianKann ich das Kaninchen streicheln?Can I pet the rabbit?
- JuliaJa, er wirkt sehr friedlich.Yes, it seems very peaceful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rabbit” translations and entries Kaninchen, Karnickel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kaninchen, Karnickel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
