Roter Panda
The English phrase "red panda" is Roter Panda in German. Wiktionary also lists Kleiner Panda.
Meaning: Ailurus fulgens (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| Roter Panda | |
| Kleiner Panda | /ˈklaɪ̯nɐ panda/ |
Roter Panda refers to the mammal Ailurus fulgens.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the adjective roter (red) and the noun Panda (panda).
Which one should you use?
Kleiner Panda is an alternative name for the red panda, used to distinguish it from the giant panda.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the nominative case (subject position), the adjective takes the -er ending because Panda is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- The adjective klein in Kleiner Panda can function as a diminutive, which in German often implies a sense of cuteness or affection toward the animal.
- The word Panda is a loanword in German, meaning it was adopted from another language rather than evolving from ancient Germanic roots.
- While Roter Panda describes its color, the alternative Kleiner Panda reflects a German tendency to categorize animals by size when sharing a name with a larger species.
Examples in context
- Der rote Panda ist ein faszinierendes TierThe red panda is a fascinating animal
- Schau mal! Der rote Katzenbär schläft im BaumLook! The red cat bear is sleeping in the tree
- Ist das ein Roter Panda dort?Is that a red panda over there?
Example conversation
Julia and Maximilian are visiting a zoo.
- JuliaSchau mal, Maximilian, ein Roter Panda!Look, Maximilian, a red panda!
- MaximilianOh, er ist wirklich süß.Oh, he is really cute.
- JuliaSoll ich ein Foto von dem Roten Panda machen?Should I take a photo of the red panda?
- MaximilianJa, bitte, das wäre toll.Yes, please, that would be great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “red panda” translations and entries Kleiner Panda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
