Schäfer
/ˈʃɛːfər/masculine
The English word shepherd can be translated into German as Schäfer. Wiktionary also lists Hirt(e).
Meaning: a person who tends sheep (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schäfer | /ˈʃɛːfər/ | masculine |
| Hirt(e) | masculine |
The term refers to a person who tends sheep. It is also used as an equivalent surname in German.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schäfer is derived from Schaf, which means sheep.
Which one should you use?
While both words refer to a shepherd, Schäfer specifically implies a person tending sheep. In contrast, Hirte is a more general term for a shepherd of any livestock. You may also use the compound noun Schafhirte to specifically mean a sheep shepherd.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Schäfer is also Schäfer. To refer to a female shepherd, use the feminine form Schäferin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃɛːfər/
Did you know?
- In German culture, the Schäfer is often associated with the 'wanderer' archetype, historically moving livestock across long distances in the 'Almabtrieb' autumn descent from mountain pastures.
- While Schäfer describes the job of tending sheep, the word Hirte is the term almost exclusively used in German Bibles for the 'Good Shepherd'.
- The English word 'shepherd' and the German word Schäfer share a common linguistic ancestor through the Proto-Indo-European root for 'sheep'.
Examples in context
- Rex ist ein Deutscher Schäferhund.Rex is a German Shepherd.This sentence shows how to use Schäfer within the name of a dog breed.Tatoeba #10021627 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10021634 by shekitten
- Tom ist Hirte und hat einen Schäferhund.Tom is a shepherd and he has a sheepdog.This sentence uses the form Schäfer to identify a person's occupation.Tatoeba #13422066 by Waldelfe, translation #13419034 by frpzzd
- Der Schäfer führte seine Herde zur Weide.The shepherd led his flock to pasture.This sentence illustrates Schäfer as the subject of a sentence leading a flock.Tatoeba #2863226 by al_ex_an_der, translation #12933812 by sundown
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are hiking in the countryside.
- MaximilianSiehst du den Schäfer dort?Do you see the shepherd there?
- LauraJa, er passt auf seine Schafe auf.Yes, he is watching over his sheep.
- MaximilianDer Schäfer macht eine Pause.The shepherd is taking a break.
- LauraDas ist ein schöner Anblick.That is a beautiful sight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shepherd” translations and entries Schäfer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schäfer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
