Stinktier
[ˈʃtɪŋkˌtiːɐ̯]neuter
The English word skunk is translated into German as Stinktier. Wiktionary also lists Skunk.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stinktier | [ˈʃtɪŋkˌtiːɐ̯] (narrow) | neuter |
| Skunk | /skʊŋk/ /skaŋk/ (also) |
masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
Stinktier is a compound word consisting of stinken (to stink) and Tier (animal), literally meaning 'stink animal'.
Which one should you use?
Stinktier is the standard German word for the animal, whereas Skunk is a loanword from English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Stinktier is Stinktiere, which changes to Stinktieren when used in the dative case.
Did you know?
- The adjective stinkig can be used to describe someone who is in a bad mood or 'grumpy', mirroring the unpleasantness of a Stinktier.
- The English word 'skunk' entered the German language as Skunk during the 18th century, coinciding with increased trade and travel to North America.
- If you were to describe the act of a skunk spraying, a German speaker might use the verb spritzen, which is the same verb used for 'sprinkling' water or 'injecting' medicine.
Examples in context
- Wir nennen ihn das Stinktier.We call him "Skunk Man".This sentence shows how to use the word to refer to a person.Tatoeba #12029642 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #477324 by FeuDRenais
- Meine Katze wurde von einem Stinktier angespritzt.My cat was sprayed by a skunk.This sentence illustrates the animal's behavior of spraying.Tatoeba #6589636 by brauchinet, translation #6589186 by Eccles17
- Pfui Deubel, was ist das denn für ein Gestank? Ich hoffe, daß das kein Stinktier ist.Ew! What's this stench? I hope it's not a skunk.This sentence uses the word in the context of a bad stench.Tatoeba #13397363 by Waldelfe, translation #11216799 by Amastan
- Ich habe gestern ein Stinktier im Garten gesehen!I saw a skunk in the garden yesterday!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura see an animal in the garden.
- FelixSchau mal, ist das ein Stinktier?Look, is that a skunk?
- LauraJa, ich glaube, das ist wirklich ein Stinktier.Yes, I think that really is a skunk.
- FelixWir sollten uns langsam von ihm entfernen.We should slowly move away from it.
- LauraGute Idee, sonst riechen wir bald schlecht.Good idea, otherwise we'll smell bad soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skunk” translations and entries Stinktier, Skunk, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Skunk, Stinktier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
