German word

Pferd

Pronunciation

IPA/pfeːɐ̯t/

Meaning

  • neuter nounhorse

Example

Ich reite ein Pferd.

I'm riding a horse.

Illustration for Pferd (horse)

More examples

Das Pferd steht auf der Weide.

The horse is standing in the pasture.

Core concept

A horse connects human movement with its own strength, either under a rider or in front of a load.

Common phrases

  • ein Pferd reiten

    ride a horse

  • ein Pferd führen

    lead a horse

  • das Pferd füttern

    feed the horse

Similar words

Pony: A smaller horse commonly ridden by children and inexperienced riders.
Fohlen: A newborn or very young horse.
Stute: A fully grown female horse.
Hengst: A mature male horse that remains uncastrated.

Definition in German

Ein großes Huftier, das Menschen oft zum Reiten, Ziehen oder als Arbeitstier halten.

Word origin

The German noun developed from Old High German pherit or ferit, borrowed from Latin paraveredus for a riding or relay horse.

Usage tips

  • German uses reiten for riding a horse, while fahren normally describes travel in a vehicle or other conveyance.

Related words

  • Pferdestallhorse stablenoun
  • Pferdefutterhorse feednoun
  • Pferdesportequestrian sportnoun

Word lists with this word