German word

Schäfer

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃɛːfɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounshepherd

Example

Der Schäfer hütet die Schafe.

The shepherd looks after the sheep.

Illustration for Schäfer (shepherd)

More examples

Wir sprechen mit dem Schäfer über die Tiere.

We are talking with the shepherd about the animals.

Core concept

A shepherd walking beside a close-moving flock across open pasture.

Common phrases

  • ein Schäfer mit Hund

    a shepherd with a dog

  • der Schäfer im Dorf

    the shepherd in the village

Similar words

Hirte: A person who looks after and guides sheep or goats outdoors.
Schafzüchter: A person or business that raises sheep for breeding and sale.
Schäferhund: A large dog trained to keep a flock together and lead it.
Züchter: A person who breeds animals systematically for sale.

Definition in German

Jemand, dessen Aufgabe es ist, eine Schafherde zu führen und zu betreuen.

Word origin

Schäfer developed from Middle High German schæfer and Old High German scāfāri, formed from Schaf with an agent-forming suffix.

Usage tips

  • Schäfer is masculine, with Schäferin for a female shepherd and Schäfer as the plural form.

Other meanings

  • sheep herdernoun

Related words

  • Schäferinshepherdessnoun
  • Schäferhundsheepdognoun

Word lists with this word