German word

Vierbeiner

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfiːɐ̯ˌbaɪ̯nɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfour-legged animal

Example

Der Vierbeiner liegt im Garten.

The four-legged animal is lying in the garden.

Illustration for Vierbeiner (four-legged animal)

More examples

Beim Spaziergang zieht mein Vierbeiner oft an der Leine.

While out for a walk, my four-legged animal often pulls on the leash.

Core concept

A familiar dog, cat, horse, or similar animal viewed as a whole through its four supporting legs.

Common phrases

  • mein Vierbeiner

    my four-legged animal

  • treuer Vierbeiner

    my loyal four-legged animal

  • der alte Vierbeiner

    the old four-legged animal

Similar words

Haustier: An animal kept and cared for in a household.
Hund: A dog, especially one commonly kept as a household pet.
Katze: A cat, especially a small one commonly kept as a household pet.
Tier: A general term for an animal.

Definition in German

umgangssprachlich für ein Haustier oder allgemein ein Tier mit vier Beinen

Word origin

Vierbeiner combines vier ('four') with Bein ('leg') and the noun-forming ending -er, creating the sense 'one with four legs'.

Usage tips

  • Vierbeiner is masculine: der Vierbeiner, with die Vierbeiner as the plural without an ending change.

Opposites

  • Zweibeinerbipednoun

Related words

  • vierbeinigfour-leggedadjective

Word lists with this word