German Animal Names

Learn German animal vocabulary, from common animal names to unique wild animals. This page covers 127 animal names with their German articles, pronunciations, and example sentences in English. Select the animals you want to learn, then practice with flashcards, quizzes, and a practice test.

A Pattern Worth Knowing: Nouns Ending in -e

Animal names ending in an unstressed -e are usually feminine: die Katze (cat), die Ente (duck), die Maus (mouse). It isn't a universal rule, but it holds often enough to guess correctly on a new animal word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a German animal's article match its biological sex?+

Not usually. Der Hund (dog) stays masculine regardless of the dog's sex; a female dog only gets die Hündin when the speaker specifically means a female.

Is there a rule for guessing an animal's gender in German?+

Partially - animal names ending in an unstressed -e, like die Katze and die Ente, are usually feminine. Most other animal genders have to be learned individually.

What's the German word for pet?+

Haustier (literally 'house animal'), das Haustier, covers any domesticated animal kept at home.

How do I practice these animal names?+

Select the words you want on this page, then start Flashcards, Multiple Choice, or a Final Test from the bar at the bottom.

German Animal Names

A Pattern Worth Knowing: Nouns Ending in -e

Frequently Asked Questions

Practice Animal Names Vocabulary

Play Animal Names Vocabulary Games

Comments