Zoo
[t͡soː]masculine
The English phrase "zoo" is translated into German as Zoo. Wiktionary also lists Tiergarten and Tierpark.
Meaning: park where live animals are exhibited (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo | [t͡soː] (narrow) [ˈt͡soːo] (narrow) |
masculine |
| Tiergarten | /ˈtiːɐ̯ˌɡaʁtn̩/ | masculine |
| Tierpark | /ˈtiːɐ̯paʁk/ | masculine |
The term refers to a park where live animals are exhibited.
Which one should you use?
While Zoo usually implies a collection of exotic animals from around the world, Tierpark often refers to a more local or nature-oriented park, sometimes featuring native species. The term Tiergarten is often used for large, historic or park-like zoos.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing movement toward the interior of the zoo (e.g., 'going to the zoo'), use the accusative form in den Zoo.
Did you know?
- The term Tiergarten historically referred to enclosed gardens meant for the nobility to hunt, not for public exhibition.
- The word Zoo is actually a shortened version of the longer phrase zoologischer Garten.
- In Berlin, Tiergarten refers to a massive central park that was once a royal hunting ground before becoming a public space.
Examples in context
- Wo ist der Zoo?Where's the zoo?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the Zoo.Tatoeba #868629 by Esperantostern, translation #843244 by parheliu
- Ich arbeite im Zoo.I work at the zoo.This sentence is useful for stating that you work at the Zoo.Tatoeba #3685561 by Sudajaengi, translation #2549132 by CK
- Willst du in den Zoo?Do you want to go to the zoo?This sentence is useful for asking about a desire to go into the Zoo.Tatoeba #2753206 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2752912 by Hybrid
- Lassen Sie uns den Zoologischen Garten besuchen.Let's visit the zoological garden.
- Wir sollten den Tierpark in Berlin erkunden.We should explore the animal park in Berlin.
- Lass uns heute in den Zoo gehen und die Tiere sehen!Let's go to the zoo today and see the animals!
- 181 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are planning their weekend in the city.
- LukasGehen wir am Samstag in den Zoo?Are we going to the zoo on Saturday?
- SarahJa, das ist eine gute Idee.Yes, that is a good idea.
- LukasIch möchte gerne die Löwen sehen.I would like to see the lions.
- SarahIch auch, das wird toll!Me too, it will be great!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “zoo” translations and entries Zoo, Tiergarten, Tierpark, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tiergarten, Tierpark, Zoo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
