das  Schaf

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃaf/

🐑 What does "das Schaf" mean?

Das Schaf (noun, neuter) refers to a mammal from the genus Ovis, commonly known as a sheep. It is primarily raised for its wool (Wolle), meat (Fleisch), and milk (Milch). It's a domesticated ungulate found worldwide.

There is only this one article for the word "Schaf" in the singular. The plural is "die Schafe".

Colloquially or in certain contexts, "Schaf" can also be used metaphorically:

• For a naive, gullible, or passive person (often pejorative).
• In the expression "das schwarze Schaf" (the black sheep) for a member of a group who differs negatively from the others or is considered an outsider.

🧐 Grammar of "das Schaf" in Detail

"Schaf" is a noun with the neuter article "das". Its declension follows a regular pattern for neuter nouns.

📝 Example Sentences

• Das Schaf grast friedlich auf der Weide. (The sheep grazes peacefully in the pasture.)
• Die Wolle des Schafes ist sehr weich. (The sheep's wool is very soft.)
• Der Hirte gibt dem Schaf Futter. (The shepherd gives food to the sheep.)
• Ich sehe das Schaf und seine Lämmer. (I see the sheep and its lambs.)
• Die Schafe werden im Frühling geschoren. (The sheep are shorn in spring.)
• Die Herde der Schafe zog über den Hügel. (The flock of sheep moved over the hill.)
• Er kümmert sich gut um die Schafe. (He takes good care of the sheep.)

🗣️ How to Use "Schaf"

"Das Schaf" is primarily used in contexts related to agriculture (Landwirtschaft), nature (Natur), and wildlife (Tierwelt).

• Direct meaning: When talking about the animal itself. Example: "Auf dem Bauernhof leben viele Schafe." (Many sheep live on the farm.)
• Products: In connection with wool (Wolle), meat (Lammfleisch - lamb meat, Hammelfleisch - mutton), or milk (Milch). Example: "Dieser Pullover ist aus reiner Schafwolle." (This sweater is made of pure sheep's wool.)
• Metaphorical meaning (often negative):
  • As a symbol of naivety or uncritically following the crowd. Example: "Folge nicht blind wie ein Schaf!" (Don't follow blindly like a sheep!) (pejorative)
  • "Das schwarze Schaf" (the black sheep): The outsider or the disliked member of a family/group. Example: "Er war schon immer das schwarze Schaf der Familie." (He was always the black sheep of the family.)
• Diminutive: "Das Schäfchen" (plural: die Schäfchen) is the diminutive form, often used for lambs or figuratively (e.g., "seine Schäfchen ins Trockene bringen" - to feather one's nest, secure one's advantage).

⚠️ Avoid calling people "Schaf" directly unless using the idiom "das schwarze Schaf", as it usually sounds offensive.

💡 Mnemonics for "das Schaf"

Remembering the article "das":

Imagine a cute little lamb – a child animal. Many young animals or general animal types without specific gender are neuter ("das") in German. Think: das Tier (the animal), das Lamm (the lamb), das Ferkel (the piglet)... and thus das Schaf. The 'a' sound in Schaf might also remind you of das.

Remembering the meaning:

Think of what sheep give us: they are 'shafts' of wool walking around. Or, imagine someone trying to shave a sheep – 'Shave' sounds a bit like 'Schaf'. Picture a fluffy sheep needing a shave.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but different words:

• Schaff: (Swiss German) Small cupboard, shelf (unrelated to the animal!)
• Schaffen: Verb (to work, to do, to create)

😄 A Little Sheep Joke

German: Treffen sich zwei Schafe auf der Weide. Sagt das eine: "Mäh!" Sagt das andere: "Mäh doch selber!"

English Translation: Two sheep meet in the pasture. One says: "Baa!" The other says: "Why don't you baa yourself!" (It's a pun, as "Mäh doch selber!" sounds like telling someone to mow the lawn themselves).

📜 A Little Poem

German:
Das Schaf, so weiß und weich,
Steht auf der Weide, grünem Teich.
Es kaut sein Gras ganz ungestört,
hat von der Welt noch nichts gehört.

Sein Wollkleid wärmt im Winter kalt,
Ein Bild des Friedens hier im Wald.
Das Schaf, es blökt ein leises "Mäh",
Im Sommerwind, am Wiesensee.

English Translation:
The sheep, so white and soft,
Stands in the pasture, green aloft.
It chews its grass quite undisturbed,
Has heard nothing yet of the world.

Its woolly coat warms in winter cold,
A picture of peace, brave and bold.
The sheep, it bleats a quiet "Baa",
In summer wind, by meadow spa.

🧩 Who am I? A Riddle

German:
Ich trage einen Mantel, doch bin kein König.
Ich gebe Milch, doch bin keine Kuh.
Ich liefere Wolle für den Winter wohlig,
und lebe oft in großer Ruh'.

Man zählt mich manchmal, um zu schlafen,
und nennt mich manchmal dumm und brav.
Ich folge Herden, vielen Haufen.

Wer bin ich? Na klar, ich bin...

... das Schaf

English Translation:
I wear a coat, but am no king.
I give milk, but am not a cow.
I provide wool for winter's comfort bring,
And often live in peace right now.

Sometimes people count me to fall asleep,
And sometimes call me dumb and mild.
I follow flocks, in crowds I keep.

Who am I? Of course, I am...

... the sheep

✨ More about Sheep (Schafe)

• Word Composition: "Schaf" is a base word. However, it forms many compound words (Komposita) like Schafherde (flock of sheep), Schafkäse (sheep cheese), Schafwolle (sheep's wool), Schäferhund (German Shepherd dog, literally 'shepherd dog'), Schäfchenwolke (cirrocumulus cloud, literally 'little sheep cloud').
• Cultural Significance: Sheep play a role in many cultures and religions (e.g., the Lamb of God in Christianity, sacrificial animal).
• Idioms: Besides "das schwarze Schaf" (the black sheep), there's also "die Schäfchen ins Trockene bringen" (to secure one's own advantage / feather one's nest) or "wie die Schafe zur Schlachtbank geführt werden" (to be led like sheep to the slaughter - going unknowingly into doom).
• Biology: There are countless sheep breeds (Schafrassen) worldwide, differing in size, wool type, and horn shape (e.g., Merino, Heidschnucke).