der  Hund

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/hʊnt/

🐶 What does "der Hund" mean?

Der Hund (plural: die Hunde) refers to a male or, more generally, a domesticated mammal from the Canidae family, often kept as a pet. It's known for its loyalty to humans.

In German, the word is masculine, so the definite article is der.

• Main meaning: *pet, mammal (Canis lupus familiaris)*
• Figurative meaning: Sometimes derogatory for a person ("ein falscher Hund" - *a deceitful person/dog*) or colloquially for a fellow ("ein dicker Hund" - *a serious blunder/howler*).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Hund" in Detail

The noun "Hund" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Der Hund bellt im Garten. (The dog is barking in the garden.)
2. Ich sehe einen Hund auf der Straße. (I see a dog on the street.)
3. Das Halsband des Hundes ist rot. (The dog's collar is red.)
4. Wir geben dem Hund Futter. (We give food to the dog.)
5. Viele Hunde spielen im Park. (Many dogs are playing in the park.)

💡 How "Hund" is Used

• As a pet: The most common usage. "Unser Hund heißt Bello." (Our dog's name is Bello.)
• Generally for the species: "Der Hund stammt vom Wolf ab." (The dog descends from the wolf.)
• Figuratively (often colloquial/derogatory):
  • "Er ist ein armer Hund." (He's a poor devil/unfortunate person.)
  • "Das ist ja ein dicker Hund!" (That's outrageous! / That's a real blunder! Lit: *That's a fat dog!*)
  • "Er ist bekannt wie ein bunter Hund." (He's known all over town. Lit: *known like a colourful dog*)
  • "Da liegt der Hund begraben." (That's the crux of the matter. Lit: *There the dog lies buried.*)
  • "Auf den Hund gekommen sein." (To have gone to the dogs / be down on one's luck.)
  • "Innerer Schweinehund": (*Inner pig-dog*) *Lack of self-discipline or willpower.*
• Comparison: While Hund is the general term, Köter is more colloquial and often derogatory (*mutt, cur*), and Wauwau is baby talk (*doggy, woof-woof*). Die Hündin specifically means the *female dog*.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Hund"

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of typical strong, male dog roles: der Beschützer (*the protector*), der Wächter (*the guard*). These masculine roles fit the masculine article der.

2. Meaning Mnemonic: The German word "Hund" sounds quite similar to the English word "hound". Picture a hunting hound, which is a type of Hund.

🔄 Synonyms & Opposites

😂 A Little Dog Joke

DE: Fragt ein Hund den anderen: "Wie findest du den neuen Briefträger?" Sagt der andere: "Ganz nett, aber er könnte ruhig öfter kommen!"

EN: One dog asks another: "What do you think of the new mailman?" The other says: "He's quite nice, but he could certainly come around more often!" 📮🐕

📜 A Poem About the Dog

DE:
Der Hund, so treu, mit Fell so weich,
Ein Freund im Glück, im Leid zugleich.
Er wedelt froh, wenn du erscheinst,
Im Herzen tief mit dir vereint.

Ob groß, ob klein, ob alt, ob jung,
Er bringt ins Leben immer Schwung.
Ein Blick genügt, ein sanfter Stups,
Der Hund, er ist ein echter Schatz, hups!

EN:
The dog, so loyal, with fur so soft,
A friend in luck, in sorrow oft'.
He wags his tail when you appear,
United with you, heart held dear.

Be it large or small, or old or young,
He always brings life new-sprung.
A glance, a gentle nudge suffices,
The dog, a real treasure, oh crisis (a playful rhyme)!

❓ Riddle Time

DE:
Ich hab vier Beine, belle gern laut,
Bin oft im Haus, hab weiche Haut (Fell).
Ich hol den Stock, bewach das Tor,
Wer bin ich wohl? Komm, spitz das Ohr!

EN:
I have four legs, I like to bark loud,
I'm often indoors, with a soft furry shroud.
I fetch the stick, I guard the gate,
Who am I then? Don't hesitate!

Solution: Der Hund (The dog)

🐾 Other Interesting Facts

• Word Compounds: The word "Hund" is part of many German compound words:
  • Hundehütte (*doghouse*)
  • Hundeleine (*dog leash*)
  • Hundefutter (*dog food*)
  • Hundstage (*dog days* - the hottest days of summer, historically named after the Dog Star/constellation Canis Major)
  • Schweinehund (*pig-dog* - see usage section)
• Cultural Notes: In many cultures, the dog symbolizes loyalty. German idioms like "treu wie ein Hund" (*loyal as a dog*) emphasize this.
• Biological Facts: There are hundreds of different dog breeds, from the Miniature Pinscher (Zwergpinscher) to the Great Dane (Dogge).