Robbe
/ˈʁɔbə/feminine
The English word seal is translated into German as Robbe or Seehund.
Meaning: pinniped (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Robbe | /ˈʁɔbə/ | feminine |
| Seehund | [ˈzeːˌhʊnt] (narrow) | masculine |
In German, terms for a seal (the pinniped) are used to distinguish between general groups and specific species. Robbe is a generic term used for many types of pinnipeds, while Seehund refers specifically to the harbor seal.
Which one should you use?
Robbe is the general term for various types of seals, whereas Seehund is a more specific term used to refer to the harbor seal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun Robbe becomes Robben in its plural form. The masculine noun Seehund becomes Seehunde in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁɔbə/
Did you know?
- The word Robbe is thought to have originally meant 'rabbit' in Low German. It is possible that early observers thought the creatures resembled rabbits.
Examples in context
- Eine Robbe ist ein Meeressäuger.A seal is a marine mammal.This sentence uses Robbe to define a seal as a marine mammal.Tatoeba #13062636 by Vortarulo, translation #13052513 by araneo
- Die Robbe kann einen Ball auf der Nase balancieren.This seal can balance a ball on his nose.This sentence uses Robbe to describe a seal balancing a ball.Tatoeba #8662466 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6558364 by Hybrid
- Der Unterschied zwischen einem Wunder und einer Tatsache entspricht genau dem zwischen einer Meerjungfrau und einer Robbe.The difference between a miracle and a fact is exactly the difference between a mermaid and a seal.This sentence uses Robbe as part of a comparison between a mermaid and a seal.Tatoeba #13811358 by mhr, translation #13811331 by frpzzd
- Die Nordsee beherbergt viele Seehunde.The North Sea is home to many seals.
- Ich habe gestern im Zoo eine niedliche Robbe gesehen!Yesterday, I saw a cute seal at the zoo!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A group of tourists is watching animals at an aquarium.
- JulianSiehst du die Robbe dort drüben?Do you see the seal over there?
- HannahJa, die Robbe ist sehr süß.Yes, the seal is very cute.
- JulianSie schwimmt sehr schnell im Wasser.She swims very fast in the water.
- HannahDas ist wirklich beeindruckend zu beobachten.That is really impressive to watch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seal” translations and entries Robbe, Seehund, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Robbe, Seehund, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
