das  Pferd

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/pfeːɐ̯t/

🐴 What does "das Pferd" mean?

Das Pferd is the German word for horse. It refers to a mammal from the Equidae family, used by humans for riding, pulling loads, and as a working animal for thousands of years. It's an ungulate known for its speed, endurance, and grace.

The word "Pferd" only uses the article das. It is a neuter noun.

• Main meaning: A large, four-legged mammal (Equus caballus), often ridden or used for pulling carts.
• Other contexts: Can also be used figuratively (e.g., "aufs falsche Pferd setzen" – to back the wrong horse, meaning to make a wrong decision) or for specific equipment (gymnastics apparatus "Pferd" - pommel horse).

🚨 There are no common mistakes regarding the article, as "das Pferd" is the only correct form.

🧐 Grammar of "das Pferd" in Detail

"Pferd" is a neuter noun and always takes the article "das".

Declension Singular

Here's how "das Pferd" changes in the singular form depending on the grammatical case:

Note: In the Dative Singular, the ending "-e" (dem Pferde) is rather dated or elevated.

Declension Plural

The plural of "das Pferd" is "die Pferde". Here's its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Das Pferd frisst Gras auf der Weide. (The horse eats grass in the pasture.)
2. Der Huf des Pferdes muss gepflegt werden. (The horse's hoof needs to be cared for.)
3. Ich gebe dem Pferd einen Apfel. (I give an apple to the horse.)
4. Siehst du das Pferd dort drüben? (Do you see the horse over there?)
5. Die Pferde galoppieren über das Feld. (The horses gallop across the field.)
6. Die Kraft der Pferde ist beeindruckend. (The strength of the horses is impressive.)
7. Wir helfen den Pferden im Stall. (We help the horses in the stable.)
8. Der Bauer spannt die Pferde vor den Wagen. (The farmer harnesses the horses to the cart.)

🏇 How to Use "das Pferd"?

"Das Pferd" is a very common word used in many contexts:

• Everyday language: When talking about the animal, whether as a pet, farm animal, or in nature. (Example: Das Kind wünscht sich ein Pferd. - The child wants a horse.)
• Sports: In equestrian sports (dressage, jumping, racing). (Example: Sie trainiert ihr Pferd für das nächste Turnier. - She trains her horse for the next tournament.)
• Agriculture/History: As a draft animal pulling plows or carts. (Example: Früher zogen Pferde die Kutschen. - Horses used to pull the carriages.)
• Idioms: There are many idiomatic expressions with "Pferd".
  • "aufs falsche Pferd setzen": to back the wrong horse (make a bad decision)
  • "das beste Pferd im Stall": the best horse in the stable (the most capable employee or best product)
  • "arbeiten wie ein Pferd": to work like a horse (work very hard)
  • "mir doch kein Pferd erzählen": don't tell me a horse (don't tell me nonsense)
• Gymnastics: The apparatus "Pferd" (also Pauschenpferd - pommel horse). (Example: Er turnt am Pferd. - He performs on the pommel horse.)

Comparison: "Ross" is a rather archaic or poetic synonym. "Gaul" is colloquial and often slightly derogatory.

💡 Memory Aids for "das Pferd"

For the article "das":

Imagine a child asking "Das Pferd?" (That horse?) pointing excitedly. Many young animals (like das Fohlen - the foal) are neuter in German, and a Pferd starts as a Fohlen. Or associate it with other neuter animal words you know, like das Schwein (pig) or das Schaf (sheep).

For the meaning "horse":

"Pferd" sounds a bit like the English word "ford" (crossing a river). Imagine a horse helping someone ford a river. Or perhaps the 'Pf' sound reminds you of a horse's snort.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but misleading words:

• Fährte: (die Fährte) - The track or trail of an animal. Sounds similar but is unrelated to Pferd.

😂 A Horse Joke to Make You Laugh

German: Warum können Pferde keine Computer benutzen?

Weil sie ständig auf die Leertaste hauen! 🐴

English Translation: Why can't horses use computers?

Because they're always hitting the space bar! 🐴

✍️ A Poem about the Pferd

German:

Auf grüner Weide, stolz und frei,
steht das Pferd, so stark und scheu.
Mit weh'nder Mähne, glänzend Fell,
galoppiert es blitzesschnell.

Ein treuer Freund, durch dick und dünn,
rägt Reiter über Stock und Stein.
Das Pferd, ein edles Tier,
ist Kraft und Anmut hier.

English Translation:

On pasture green, so proud and free,
Stands the horse, strong and shy to see.
With flowing mane and coat so bright,
It gallops swift as lightning's light.

A loyal friend, through thick and thin,
Carries riders over rock and linn.
The horse, a noble beast,
Is strength and grace released.

❓ Little Horse Riddle

German:

Ich hab vier Beine, kann schnell laufen,
Hafer und Heu tu ich gern kaufen (naja, fressen!).
Man kann auf mir reiten, weit und breit.
Mein Artikel ist sächlich, seid ihr bereit?

Wer bin ich?

Lösung: Das Pferd

English Translation:

I have four legs, can run quite fast,
Oats and hay, my meal's forecast.
You can ride on me, far and wide,
My article's neuter, take it in stride.

What am I?

Solution: Das Pferd (The horse)

ℹ️ More about das Pferd

• Word Compounds (Wortzusammensetzungen): "Pferd" is part of many German compound words: Pferdestall (horse stable), Pferderennen (horse race), Pferdekutsche (horse-drawn carriage), Pferdestärke (PS - horsepower, a unit of power), Seepferdchen (seahorse), Steckenpferd (hobbyhorse, or figuratively, a hobby), Pauschenpferd (pommel horse).
• Cultural Significance: Horses play significant roles in many cultures, myths, and stories (e.g., Sleipnir in Norse mythology, Pegasus in Greek mythology).
• Animal Names: Male horse: Hengst (stallion), female horse: Stute (mare), young horse: Fohlen (foal). Castrated stallion: Wallach (gelding).