German Conversation · Level 8
90 words
German word
Tier
Pronunciation
IPA/tiːɐ̯/
Meaning
- neuter nounanimal
Example
Im Zoo sehe ich viele Tiere.
I see many animals at the zoo.
More examples
Meine Schwester hat ein Tier als Haustier.
My sister has an animal as a pet.
Core concept
A moving, sensing creature such as a fox, fish, or beetle, contrasted with a plant.
Common phrases
ein Tier
an animal
ein Tier haben
have an animal
das Tier füttern
feed the animal
Similar words
Haustier: An animal kept by people at home for care and companionship.
Wildtier: An animal that lives freely in its natural environment.
Vogel: A feathered animal, often capable of flight.
Fisch: A water-dwelling animal that breathes with gills.
Definition in German
Tier bezeichnet ein Lebewesen, das sich bewegt, Sinneswahrnehmung besitzt und seine Nahrung nicht durch Photosynthese gewinnt.
Word origin
The German noun Tier developed from Old High German tior and shares an old Germanic origin with English deer and Old Norse dýr.
Usage tips
- Calling a person ein Tier is usually insulting, although it can be playful in a clearly established context.