der  Stier

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʃtiːɐ/

🐂 What does "der Stier" mean?

The German word der Stier has two primary meanings:

• Male bovine animal (Bull): It refers to the adult, uncastrated male domestic cattle, known for its strength and sometimes aggression. Example: Der Stier auf der Weide ist beeindruckend. (The bull in the pasture is impressive.)
• Zodiac sign / Constellation (Taurus): It is the name of a sign of the zodiac (approx. April 21 to May 20) and the corresponding constellation in the night sky. Example: Sie ist im Sternzeichen Stier geboren. (She was born under the star sign Taurus.)

Figuratively, "Stier" can also refer to a very stubborn or strong person, often in the context of the idiom "stur wie ein Stier" (stubborn as a bull).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of "der Stier" in Detail

"Stier" is a masculine noun and always takes the article der. It follows the strong declension in the singular and the weak declension (n-declension) in the plural.

Declension:

Example Sentences:

1. Der Züchter ist stolz auf seinen preisgekrönten Stier. (The breeder is proud of his award-winning bull. - Nominative Singular, animal)
2. Die Hörner des Stieres sind mächtig. (The bull's horns are mighty. - Genitive Singular, animal)
3. Der Bauer gibt dem Stier frisches Heu. (The farmer gives fresh hay to the bull. - Dative Singular, animal)
4. Man sollte den Stier nicht reizen. (One should not provoke the bull. - Accusative Singular, animal)
5. Die Stiere auf der Nachbarweide muhen laut. (The bulls in the neighboring pasture are mooing loudly. - Nominative Plural, animal)
6. Mein Horoskop für das Sternzeichen Stier ist heute positiv. (My horoscope for the star sign Taurus is positive today. - Genitive Singular, zodiac sign, often in fixed phrases)
7. Er ist ein typischer Stier, sehr beharrlich. (He is a typical Taurus, very persistent. - Nominative Singular, zodiac sign/character)

💡 How to Use "der Stier"

The use of der Stier strongly depends on the context:

• In an agricultural or biological context: Clearly refers to the male bovine animal. Synonyms like Bulle are often used, though Stier is sometimes perceived as slightly more refined or specific to breeding.
• In an astrological or astronomical context: Refers to the zodiac sign or constellation Taurus.
• In idioms: The most famous is "den Stier bei den Hörnern packen", which means "to take the bull by the horns" (to tackle a difficult task courageously).
• Figuratively: Describes stubbornness or willpower ("stur wie ein Stier" - stubborn as a bull).

⚠️ There's little risk of confusion, as the context (farm vs. horoscope) is usually clear. The word der Ochse (ox) refers to a castrated male bovine and is therefore not a direct synonym.

🧠 Memory Aids for "der Stier"

Article Mnemonic: Der Stier is a powerful male animal - just like many other male animals ending in -er in German (e.g., der Bär, der Tiger). Think of the masculine strength associated with a bull – it has to be der Stier.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of the two 'stages' for a bull: the bullfighting stage (or pasture) and the celestial stage (constellation). Both are associated with strong male figures (the matador, the mythological bull like Zeus) reinforcing the der article and the core meanings.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "der Stier"

Similar but Misleading Words:

• Der Stiel: (pronounced with a long 'ee' sound) Means stem (of a plant) or handle (of a tool). Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Frage: Was sagt ein Stier, wenn er an der Tür klingelt? Antwort: "Muh-ment mal, bitte!"

English Translation: Question: What does a bull say when it rings the doorbell? Answer: "Just a moo-ment, please!" (Pun on "Moment" - moment and "Muh" - moo)

📜 Poem about the Bull

Der Stier

Auf grüner Weide, stark und breit,
Der Stier steht da in Herrlichkeit.
Ein Muskelpaket, stolz der Blick,
Bringt Kraft und Ausdauer zurück.

Am Himmel auch, in Sternenpracht,
Hat Taurus über uns gewacht.
Ob Tier, ob Zeichen, voller Macht,
So hat Natur ihn uns gebracht.

English Translation:

The Bull

On meadow green, so strong and wide,
The Bull stands there in glorious pride.
A muscular frame, a gaze so bold,
Brings strength and endurance, stories told.

In skies above, in starry light,
Taurus has watched us through the night.
Beast or sign, endowed with might,
So nature brought him into sight.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich trage Hörner, doch bin kein Teufel.
Manchmal steh ich auf der Weide ohne Zweifel.
Ein andermal strahl' ich am Himmelszelt,
als Zeichen für Beständigkeit in dieser Welt.

Wer bin ich?

English Translation:
I wear horns, but am no devil.
Sometimes I stand in the pasture without question.
Other times I shine in the firmament,
as a sign of persistence in this world.

Who am I?

✨ More Information about "der Stier"

• Mythology: In Greek mythology, Zeus often transformed into a bull, for instance, to abduct Europa. The Cretan Bull was also part of the Labours of Heracles.
• Cultural Significance: Bullfighting (Stierkampf), despite controversies, has a long tradition in Spain and other countries.
• Symbolism: The bull often symbolizes strength, fertility, potency, but also stubbornness and aggression. In finance, the "bull market" (Bullenmarkt) represents rising prices (as opposed to the "bear market").
• Word Formation (Wortbildung): Compound words include Stierkampf (bullfight), Stierhoden (bull testicles), Stiernacken (bull neck).