die  Stute

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃtuːtə/

🐴 What exactly is a Stute?

A Stute is a female, sexually mature horse. It's the counterpart to the male Hengst (stallion).

• Meaning: A female horse capable of breeding.
• Distinction: A young female horse is called a Stutfohlen (filly) or simply Fohlen (foal). It only becomes a Stute upon reaching sexual maturity (usually from 2-3 years old).

⚠️ While not every female horse is technically a Stute in the biological sense (e.g., very young animals), the term is often used in common language for any female horse.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of "die Stute" in Detail

The noun "Stute" is feminine, therefore it uses the article die. It belongs to the weak feminine nouns (n-Deklination weiblich), which end in -n in the plural.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

1. Die schnelle Stute galoppiert über die Koppel.
   (The fast mare gallops across the paddock.)
2. Das Fell der Stute glänzt in der Sonne.
   (The mare's coat shines in the sun.)
3. Der Bauer gibt der Stute frisches Heu.
   (The farmer gives fresh hay to the mare.)
4. Ich sehe die Stute mit ihrem Fohlen.
   (I see the mare with her foal.)
5. Auf der Weide grasen mehrere Stuten.
   (Several mares are grazing in the pasture.)
6. Die Gesundheit der Stuten ist dem Züchter wichtig.
   (The health of the mares is important to the breeder.)
7. Der Tierarzt hilft den Stuten.
   (The vet helps the mares.)
8. Wir beobachten die Stuten beim Spielen.
   (We watch the mares playing.)

💡 How to Use "Stute"?

"Stute" is used specifically when the gender of the horse is to be emphasized or is relevant.

• Breeding (Zucht): In the context of horse breeding, the distinction between Stute and Hengst (stallion) is essential. A Zuchtstute is a broodmare.
• Equestrian Sports (Reitsport): Here too, a distinction is often made between mares (Stuten), stallions (Hengste), and geldings (Wallache - castrated male horses), as temperament can vary. A Reitstute is a mare used for riding.
• Everyday Language (Alltagssprache): In general conversation about horses, the neutral term Pferd (horse) is often used unless the female gender is significant.

Comparison:

• Pferd (das): General term for the animal species (horse).
• Stute (die): Female horse (mare).
• Hengst (der): Male, uncastrated horse (stallion).
• Wallach (der): Male, castrated horse (gelding).
• Fohlen (das): Young horse (foal). Stutfohlen (filly), Hengstfohlen (colt).

🧠 Mnemonics for Stute

Article Mnemonic: Die Stute often ends in 'e', like many feminine nouns in German. Think 'e' for 'elegance', fitting for 'die Dame' (the lady).

Meaning Mnemonic: A Stute is sturdy and cares for her foal, like a mother horse should do.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Sounding, Different Meaning

• Stütze (die): A support, prop. Sounds similar, but unrelated to horses.
• Stuhl (der): A chair.

😂 A Little Horse Joke

Was sagt eine Stute, wenn sie stolpert? "Huch, fast hingefallen!"
Was sagt ein Hengst? "Aus dem Weg, Wichtigtuer kommt!"

Translation:
What does a mare say when she stumbles? "Oops, almost fell!"
What does a stallion say? "Out of the way, important guy coming through!"

📜 Poem about the Mare (Stute)

Auf grüner Weide, stolz und schön,
Kann man die edle Stute sehn.
Ihr Fell, es glänzt im Sonnenlicht,
Ein sanftes Aug', ein hold Gesicht.
Sie trägt das Leben, Jahr um Jahr,
Ein Wunder, treu und wunderbar.

Translation:
On the green pasture, proud and fair,
One can see the noble mare there.
Her coat, it shines in sunlight bright,
A gentle eye, a lovely sight.
She carries life, from year to year,
A wonder, faithful and held dear.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin weiblich und kann wiehern,
Auf vier Hufen kann ich rennen.
Mein Partner ist der Hengst, so stolz,
Mein Kind nennt man ein Fohlen aus Holz? Nein, aus Fleisch und Blut!

Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I am female and can neigh,
On four hooves, I can run all day.
My partner is the stallion, so proud,
My child is called a foal made of wood? No, of flesh and blood, aloud!

Who am I?

Solution: die Stute (the mare)

🧐 Other Information

Etymology (Wortherkunft):

The word "Stute" derives from the Old High German word stuot, which originally meant a 'herd of horses', particularly for breeding. The meaning later narrowed to refer to the individual female breeding animal.

Compound Words (Wortzusammensetzungen / Komposita):

• Zuchtstute: A mare kept specifically for breeding foals (broodmare).
• Reitstute: A mare mainly used for riding.
• Mutterstute: A mare that currently has or is nursing a foal.
• Leitstute: The lead mare, the highest-ranking female in a herd.