der  Welpe

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɛlpə/

🐶 What Exactly is a 'Welpe'?

A Welpe (der Welpe, plural: die Welpen) is a young animal of a dog (Hund) or another canine predator such as a wolf (Wolf) or fox (Fuchs).

So, it refers to an animal in its first months of life that is not yet sexually mature. Although there are male and female puppies, the word 'Welpe' in German is always grammatically masculine (Maskulinum).

Example:

• Der kleine Welpe tapst durch den Garten. (The little puppy toddles through the garden.)

Article rules for der, die, and das

📖 Grammar Check: 'Der Welpe' in Detail

The noun 'Welpe' is masculine. It belongs to the weak N-declension (schwache N-Deklination). This means it takes the ending '-n' in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular, as well as throughout the plural.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

1. Der süße Welpe schläft in seinem Korb. (The cute puppy sleeps in its basket. - Nominative Singular)
2. Das Spielzeug des Welpen liegt auf dem Boden. (The puppy's toy is lying on the floor. - Genitive Singular)
3. Wir geben dem Welpen Futter. (We give food to the puppy. - Dative Singular)
4. Siehst du den kleinen Welpen dort drüben? (Do you see the little puppy over there? - Accusative Singular)
5. Die Welpen spielen ausgelassen miteinander. (The puppies play exuberantly with each other. - Nominative Plural)
6. Die Entwicklung der Welpen wird dokumentiert. (The development of the puppies is documented. - Genitive Plural)
7. Mit den Welpen muss man vorsichtig umgehen. (One must handle the puppies carefully. - Dative Plural)
8. Wir beobachten die Welpen beim Toben. (We watch the puppies romping around. - Accusative Plural)

🗣️ How to Use 'Welpe'?

The word 'Welpe' is primarily used to refer to a young, still dependent dog. It often carries a connotation of cuteness.

• Everyday language: Very common when talking about young dogs. „Wir haben einen neuen Welpen bekommen!“ ('We got a new puppy!')
• Animal husbandry & Breeding: Technical term for the young animal up to a certain age (often until sexual maturity).
• Biology: Term for the young of canids (Canidae).

⚠️ Sometimes the term is used colloquially, somewhat disparagingly, for a young, inexperienced person (similar to 'newbie' or 'greenhorn'), but this is less common and can seem rude.

🧠 Mnemonics to Help Remember

Article 'der': Think of the big brother, der Hund (the dog). The little brother is also masculine: der Welpe.

Meaning 'puppy': The word 'Welpe' sounds a bit like the English word 'whelp', which also refers to a young dog or other carnivore. Alternatively, it sounds like 'help' - puppies need lots of help! ❤️

↔️ Opposites and Alternatives: Welpe

Synonyms (Words with similar meaning):

• Junger Hund: 'Young dog' - a direct description.
• Hundebaby: 'Dog baby' - very colloquial, emphasizes the 'baby' aspect.
• Jungtier: 'Young animal' - a general term for young animals, but can also be used for puppies.

Antonyms (Opposites):

• Erwachsener Hund / Ausgewachsener Hund: 'Adult dog' / 'Grown dog' - the opposite of a young animal.
• Alter Hund / Seniorhund: 'Old dog' / 'Senior dog' - refers to a dog in advanced age.

Similar, but different terms:

• Junghund: Often refers to the phase between puppyhood and adulthood.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Welpe den anderen: „Was ist eigentlich ein ‚Sitz‘?“
Sagt der andere: „Keine Ahnung, aber wenn die Menschen es sagen, gibt’s Leckerlis!“ 🦴

Translation: One puppy asks another: "What exactly is a 'Sit'?"
The other says: "No idea, but when humans say it, we get treats!" 🦴

✍️ A Poem About a Puppy

Der kleine Welpe

Ein kleiner Welpe, weich und warm,
Nimmt unsre Herzen gleich im Sturm.
Mit taps'gen Pfoten, ungeschickt,
Hat er die Welt grad erst erblickt.

Er knabbert gern an Schuh und Hand,
Erforscht neugierig Stadt und Land.
Ein treuer Freund, verspielt und lieb,
Den jeder schnell ins Herze schlieb'.

Translation:

The Little Puppy

A little puppy, soft and warm,
Takes our hearts right by storm.
With clumsy paws, so awkward yet,
It's just now seen the world, you bet.

It likes to nibble shoe and hand,
Explores with curiosity town and land.
A loyal friend, playful and dear,
That everyone quickly holds sincere.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin klein und kann schon bellen,
spiele gern mit Bällen schnellen.
Bin des Hundes Kind, so lieb,
wer mich sieht, hat mich gleich lieb.

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I am small and can already bark,
love playing with fast balls in the park.
I am the dog's child, so dear,
whoever sees me, holds me near.

Who am I?

Lösung / Answer: der Welpe (the puppy)

🧐 More Facts

• Etymology: The exact origin of the German word 'Welpe' is not fully clear. It might be onomatopoeic (mimicking the whimpering of young dogs) or related to old Germanic words for 'to throw' (in the sense of 'to give birth').
• Der Wurf: All the puppies born to a female dog at one birth are collectively called a 'Wurf' (litter).