der  Wolf

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/vɔlf/

🐺 Meaning of "der Wolf"

Der Wolf (plural: die Wölfe) primarily refers to a mammal, specifically a predator from the dog family (Canidae). It is the largest wild member of this family.

• Main Meaning: The animal Canis lupus. Wolves often live in packs (Rudel) and are known for their howling (Heulen).
• Figurative Meaning: Sometimes the term is used for a person considered predatory, greedy, or dangerous (e.g., "ein Wolf im Schafspelz" - a wolf in sheep's clothing).
• Technical Meaning: In medicine, "Wolf" (or Lupus erythematosus) refers to an autoimmune disease. ⚠️ However, this meaning is specific and less commonly associated with the animal in everyday language.
• Other Meaning (obsolete/regional): A sore spot caused by friction, especially when riding ("sich einen Wolf reiten" - to ride until sore).

As only the article "der" was provided, we focus on this masculine form, primarily referring to the animal.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📜 Grammar of "der Wolf" in Detail

"Wolf" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Im Wald hörten wir den Wolf heulen.
   (In the forest, we heard the wolf howling.)
2. Der Wolf ist ein faszinierendes Raubtier.
   (The wolf is a fascinating predator.)
3. Die Spuren des Wolfes waren im Schnee deutlich zu sehen.
   (The tracks of the wolf were clearly visible in the snow.)
4. Man warnt vor dem Wolf im Schafspelz.
   (One warns against the wolf in sheep's clothing.)
5. In Deutschland gibt es wieder freilebende Wölfe.
   (In Germany, there are free-roaming wolves again.)

🗣️ How to Use "Wolf"?

• In a biological context: When talking about the animal.
  • Example: "Der Schutz des Wolfes ist ein wichtiges Thema im Naturschutz." (The protection of the wolf is an important topic in nature conservation.)
• In fairy tales and stories: The wolf often plays the role of the villain (e.g., in "Rotkäppchen" - Little Red Riding Hood or "Der Wolf und die sieben Geißlein" - The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats).
  • Example: "Der böse Wolf fraß die Großmutter." (The big bad wolf ate the grandmother.)
• In idioms (Redewendungen):
  • "Hunger wie ein Wolf haben" = to be extremely hungry (to have hunger like a wolf).
  • "Ein Wolf im Schafspelz" = someone who appears harmless but has evil intentions (a wolf in sheep's clothing).
  • "Sich einen Wolf laufen/arbeiten/reiten" = to get sore or exhaust oneself through excessive effort (to run/work/ride oneself sore like a wolf - figurative).
  • "Den Wolf zum Schäfer machen" = to entrust someone with a task for which they are completely unsuited and will cause harm (to make the wolf the shepherd).
• As part of compound words (Komposita): Wolfshund (wolfdog), Wolfsgeheul (wolf's howl), Wolfsrudel (wolf pack), Wolfsmilch (spurge, a plant), Wolfsburg (city name).

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

1. Article Mnemonic:

   Think of der strong, masculine leader of the pack - der Wolf. Masculine, powerful, dominant - that fits der. Like *the* alpha male.

2. Meaning Mnemonic:

   W-O-L-F: Wild, Often in packs, Lives in forests, Fearsome (sometimes).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words

• Wulff: A German surname.
• Golf: A sport or a car model (sounds vaguely similar).

😂 A Little Joke

DE: Fragt ein Schäfchen das andere: "Glaubst du an den bösen Wolf?" Sagt das andere: "Nein, aber an den mit dem Schafspelz schon!"

EN: One little sheep asks another: "Do you believe in the big bad wolf?" The other says: "No, but I do believe in the one in sheep's clothing!"

✒️ Poem about the Wolf

DE:
Der Wolf schleicht durch die Nacht so leis,
Ein Schatten nur im Mondenschein, weiß.
Sein Ruf erklingt, ein Heulen lang,
Durch Wald und Flur, ein wilder Sang.
Man fürchtet ihn, nennt ihn oft schlecht,
Doch folgt er nur dem Urgeschlecht.

EN:
The wolf creeps through the night so low,
A shadow merely in the moon's white glow.
Its call resounds, a lengthy howl,
Through wood and field, a wild song foul.
It's feared by men, often called bad,
Yet follows instincts nature had.

❓ Riddle Time

DE:
Ich lebe im Rudel, jage geschwind,
Bin in Märchen oft ein böses Kind.
Mein Heulen hört man weithin durch die Nacht,
Hab scharfe Zähne und viel Kraft.

Wer bin ich?

Lösung: Der Wolf

EN:
I live in a pack, I hunt with speed,
In fairy tales, a wicked breed.
My howl is heard far through the night,
Have sharp teeth and lots of might.

Who am I?

Solution: The Wolf (der Wolf)

🧐 Other Interesting Facts

• Surname: "Wolf" or "Wolff" is a common German surname.
• Mythology: The wolf plays a role in the myths and legends of many cultures, e.g., the Fenrir wolf in Norse mythology or the she-wolf who nursed Romulus and Remus.
• Heraldry: The wolf is also a common charge in coats of arms.
• City Name: Wolfsburg is a well-known city in Germany, named after a castle (Burg = castle). The idiom "Wolf im Schafspelz" (wolf in sheep's clothing) is internationally known.