German Names for the 50 Most Common Pets: A Comprehensive Guide
- Jens Olesen
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
Pets are an essential part of many households, offering companionship, entertainment, and emotional support. Whether you're a pet lover, a German language learner, or simply curious about the most common pet names in German, this guide will help you expand your vocabulary and understanding of pet culture in German-speaking countries. In this post, we will explore the 50 most common pets, their German names, and their cultural significance in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
1. Common Household Pets (Haustiere)
These are the most popular pets that people keep in their homes.
Dogs and Cats
Dog – Der Hund
Puppy – Der Welpe
Cat – Die Katze
Kitten – Das Kätzchen
Small Mammals
Rabbit – Das Kaninchen
Guinea Pig – Das Meerschweinchen
Hamster – Der Hamster
Ferret – Das Frettchen
Chinchilla – Das Chinchilla
Hedgehog – Der Igel
Rodents
Rat – Die Ratte
Mouse – Die Maus
Gerbil – Die Wüstenrennmaus
Reptiles and Amphibians
Turtle – Die Schildkröte
Tortoise – Die Landschildkröte
Lizard – Die Echse
Gecko – Der Gecko
Snake – Die Schlange
Frog – Der Frosch
Toad – Die Kröte
2. Birds (Vögel)
Many people keep birds as pets because of their beauty, intelligence, and ability to mimic sounds.
Parrot – Der Papagei
Budgerigar – Der Wellensittich
Canary – Der Kanarienvogel
Cockatoo – Der Kakadu
Macaw – Der Ara
Lovebird – Der Unzertrennliche
Finch – Der Fink
Dove – Die Taube
Pigeon – Die Stadttaube
3. Fish and Aquatic Pets (Fische und Wasserbewohner)
Fishkeeping is a popular hobby worldwide, including in Germany.
Goldfish – Der Goldfisch
Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish) – Der Kampffisch
Koi Carp – Der Koi-Karpfen
Guppy – Der Guppy
Angelfish – Der Skalare
Tetra – Der Salmler
Corydoras (Catfish) – Der Panzerwels
Axolotl – Der Axolotl
4. Exotic Pets (Exotische Haustiere)
Some people keep unusual pets that are less common.
Tarantula – Die Vogelspinne
Scorpion – Der Skorpion
Sugar Glider – Der Sugar Glider (Gleitbeutler)
Hermit Crab – Die Einsiedlerkrebs
Stick Insect – Die Stabschrecke
Mantis – Die Gottesanbeterin
Millipede – Der Tausendfüßler
5. Farm and Outdoor Pets (Bauernhof- und Freilandtiere)
Some people keep animals in larger outdoor spaces or on small farms.
Horse – Das Pferd
Pony – Das Pony
Donkey – Der Esel
Goat – Die Ziege
Sheep – Das Schaf
Pig – Das Schwein
6. Pet-Related German Vocabulary
Here are some additional words that are helpful when talking about pets in German.
Leash – Die Leine
Collar – Das Halsband
Pet Food – Das Tierfutter
Cage – Der Käfig
Fish Tank – Das Aquarium
Litter Box – Die Katzentoilette
Vet – Der Tierarzt
Paw – Die Pfote
Whiskers – Die Schnurrhaare
Fur – Das Fell
7. Pets in German Culture
Pets are an essential part of life in German-speaking countries. Here are some cultural insights:
Dogs are highly valued: Germany is known for its well-trained dogs and responsible pet ownership. Breeds like the German Shepherd (Deutscher Schäferhund) are famous worldwide.
Cats are popular: Many households keep cats as indoor pets, and they are often pampered with special food and toys.
Strict pet laws: Germany has some of the strictest animal protection laws, ensuring animals are well cared for.
Pet-friendly spaces: Many parks, cafes, and public spaces are pet-friendly, especially for dogs.
8. Fun Facts About Pets in Germany
The most popular pet in Germany is the cat (Katze), with over 16 million pet cats in German households.
Germany is home to one of the world’s largest pet fairs, Interzoo, showcasing new pet products.
In Berlin, there are special dog cafes where dogs and their owners can socialize together.
Read our related post about the German names of 50 animals.
Conclusion
Whether you are a pet owner, a language learner, or simply a pet lover, knowing the German names of common pets helps enhance your vocabulary and cultural knowledge. From the beloved Hund (dog) to the exotic Axolotl, this guide covers a wide range of animals to help you communicate effectively about pets in German.
💡 Pro Tip: Try using these words in daily conversation or when visiting a pet store in Germany to reinforce your learning!
🚀 Viel Spaß beim Deutschlernen! (Have fun learning German!) 🇩🇪
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