der  Hamster

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhamstɐ/

🐹 What does "der Hamster" mean?

Der Hamster refers to a small rodent from the subfamily Cricetinae. Hamsters are known for their large cheek pouches, which they use to transport and store food. They often live in dry or semi-dry areas and are popular pets.

There is only one article (der) for the word Hamster in German. It is a masculine noun.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar in Detail: Der Hamster

The noun "Hamster" is masculine. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Der Hamster läuft in seinem Rad. (The hamster runs in its wheel.)
• Das Futter des Hamsters ist fast leer. (The hamster's food is almost empty.)
• Ich gebe dem Hamster neue Streu. (I give the hamster new bedding.)
• Siehst du den Hamster im Käfig? (Do you see the hamster in the cage?)
• Die Hamster sind nachtaktiv. (The hamsters are nocturnal.)

🗣️ How to use "Hamster"?

• As the animal name: The most common use refers directly to the rodent. Example: "Mein Sohn wünscht sich einen Hamster zum Geburtstag." (My son wants a hamster for his birthday.)
• Figurative meaning (rare): Sometimes, someone who hoards supplies (hamstert) might jokingly be called a "Hamster", but the verb "hamstern" (to hoard) is much more common for this. Example for the verb: "Vor dem Lockdown haben viele Leute Lebensmittel gehamstert." (Before the lockdown, many people hoarded groceries.)
• Context: Often used in contexts related to pets, rodents, nature, or the behaviour of hoarding.

💡 Memory Aids for "der Hamster"

Article Mnemonic: Think of a strong, masculine image for the hamster – maybe a little hamster warrior? He is strong, *he* is *der* Hamster.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word "Hamster" sounds a bit like "hamper" or "hoard master". Imagine the hamster hoarding food in its cheek pouches like a little master of storing things.

🔄 Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonyms (animal):

• Backentaschennager (literally 'cheek-pouch rodent', more descriptive)
• Goldhamster (Golden Hamster/Syrian Hamster - a specific species often used synonymously with the pet hamster)

Related terms (other rodents):

• Meerschweinchen (Guinea pig - often confused, but a different species)
• Maus (Mouse)
• Ratte (Rat)

🚨 Note: There aren't direct antonyms for "Hamster". You could perhaps name animals that don't hoard or aren't rodents.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt ein Hamster den anderen: "Du, wie heißt eigentlich unsere Hauptstadt?" Sagt der andere Hamster: "Keine Ahnung, aber es muss wunderschön sein – alle hamstern dafür!"

English Translation: One hamster asks the other: "Hey, what's the name of our capital city?" The other hamster replies: "No idea, but it must be beautiful – everyone is hoarding (hamstern) for it!"

(This is a play on the verb "hamstern" meaning to hoard supplies, often done in preparation for something, like moving to the capital).

📜 Little Hamster Poem

German:
Der Hamster, klein und rund,
rennt im Rad gesund.
Die Backen voll mit Kern und Korn,
hält er den Winter über warm.
Ein Nager flink und adrett,
im Käfig oder Blumenbeet.

English Translation:
The hamster, small and round,
runs healthily in its wheel.
Cheeks full of seeds and corn,
it keeps warm throughout the winter.
A rodent nimble and neat,
in the cage or flower bed.

🧩 Riddle Time

German:
Ich habe Taschen, doch kein Geld,
bin oft ein Haustier in der Welt.
Ich sammle Futter, klein und fein,
und schlaf am Tag meist tief und ein.

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I have pouches, but no money,
I'm often a pet in the world, honey.
I gather food, small and fine,
And sleep deeply during daytime.

Who am I?

Solution: Der Hamster (The Hamster)

Fodder for Thought: More about the Hamster

• Word Origin: The word "Hamster" likely comes from Old High German "hamustro", possibly related to "grain" or "harvest", alluding to its hoarding behaviour.
• Hamstern (Verb): The German verb "hamstern" means to hoard supplies, often out of fear of scarcity. It became particularly popular during and after the World Wars. In English, the verb is simply "to hoard".
• Nocturnal: Most hamster species are crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk) or nocturnal (active at night).