der
Schäfer
🐑 What does "der Schäfer" mean?
Der Schäfer is a masculine noun and means shepherd. It refers to a person whose profession is to herd and care for sheep (Schafe). It's a traditional occupation closely linked to agriculture and animal husbandry.
- Meaning 1: A male person who professionally herds sheep.
- The female form is: die Schäferin (shepherdess).
The word derives directly from Schaf (the sheep, plural: die Schafe).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Schäfer
"Schäfer" is a masculine noun. The article is der. It does not follow the n-declension.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Schäfer |
| Genitive | des | Schäfers |
| Dative | dem | Schäfer |
| Accusative | den | Schäfer |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Schäfer |
| Genitive | der | Schäfer |
| Dative | den | Schäfern |
| Accusative | die | Schäfer |
Example Sentences
- Der Schäfer treibt seine Herde auf die Weide.
(The shepherd drives his flock to the pasture.) - Die Schafe folgen dem Schäfer aufmerksam.
(The sheep follow the shepherd attentively.) - Wir sprachen mit dem alten Schäfer über seine Arbeit.
(We spoke with the old shepherd about his work.) - Man sieht den Schäfer oft mit seinem Hund.
(One often sees the shepherd with his dog.) - Viele Schäfer ziehen im Sommer auf die Alm.
(Many shepherds move to the mountain pastures in summer.)
🚶♂️ How to use "Schäfer"?
The word Schäfer is mainly used to describe the profession.
- Agriculture/Animal Husbandry: In the direct context of sheep breeding and keeping. Example: Der Schäfer kümmert sich um die Schur der Schafe. (The shepherd takes care of shearing the sheep.)
- Literature/Symbolism: In poems, songs, or stories, often as a symbol of a simple life close to nature, sometimes also as a religious metaphor (e.g., der gute Hirte - the good shepherd). Example: Die Figur des Schäfers in der Idylle. (The figure of the shepherd in the idyll.)
- Surname: "Schäfer" is also a very common German family name, indicating the profession of ancestors.
Sometimes Hirte (herdsman) is used more generally, while Schäfer specifically refers to sheep.
🧠 Mnemonics for "Schäfer"
For the article: Think of a typical Schäfer – often depicted as a strong, male figure (der Mann = the man) protecting his flock. Der protector of the sheep is der Schäfer.
For the meaning: The word contains "Schaf" (sheep). A Schäfer sounds a bit like 'sheepher'. He's the 'er' (person) who looks after the 'Sheef' (Schafe).
🔄 Synonyms and Related Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- der Hirte / Hirt: Herdsman - A more general term for someone who herds livestock (can also be goats, cattle, etc.).
- der Schafhirte: Sheep herd(er) - Very specific, emphasizing the type of animal.
Antonyms (Opposites - more figurative):
Direct antonyms are difficult. In the context of nature vs. civilization, one might consider:
Related Terms:
- die Schäferin: Shepherdess (female form).
- die Schäferei: Sheep farm or shepherding as an activity.
- der Schäferhund: Shepherd dog (e.g., German Shepherd), a breed originally used for herding sheep.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Fragt ein Wanderer den Schäfer: "Sagen Sie mal, wie viele Schafe haben Sie eigentlich genau?"
Antwortet der Schäfer: "Keine Ahnung. Immer wenn ich anfange zu zählen, schlafe ich ein."
English: A hiker asks the shepherd: "Tell me, how many sheep do you have exactly?"
The shepherd replies: "No idea. Every time I start counting, I fall asleep."
📜 Poem about the Shepherd
German:
Der Schäfer wacht bei Wind und Wetter,
auf grüner Au', durch Wald und Kletter.
Sein treuer Hund, er läuft voran,
die Herde folgt ihm, Schaf an Mann.
Ein stilles Leben, frei und schlicht,
im Einklang mit dem Sonnenlicht.
English Translation:
The shepherd watches in wind and weather,
on green meadows, through woods and heather.
His loyal dog, it runs ahead,
the flock follows him, sheep by thread.
A quiet life, free and plain,
in harmony with sun and rain.
❓ Little Riddle
German:
Ich zieh' mit Wolle durch das Land,
mein Stab liegt fest in meiner Hand.
Mein Hund hilft mir bei Tag und Nacht,
damit kein Schaf sich Sorgen macht.
Wer bin ich?
... Der Schäfer
English Translation:
I wander through the land with wool,
my staff held firmly, strong and cool.
My dog helps me by day and night,
so no sheep worries, filled with fright.
Who am I?
... The Shepherd
✨ Other Information
- Etymology: The word "Schäfer" derives from the Middle High German word "schæfære", which in turn comes from "schāf" (sheep).
- Family Name: "Schäfer" is one of the most common German surnames.
- Symbolism: The "Good Shepherd" (der gute Hirte, often depicted as a Schäfer) is an important symbol in Christianity, representing Jesus Christ caring for his followers ("sheep").
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Schäfer?
The word "Schäfer" is masculine, so the correct article is der. It means shepherd.