01
das Ferkel
piglet
The young animal of a pig.
example
Die Sau hat gestern Nacht zehn gesunde Ferkel zur Welt gebracht.
The sow gave birth to ten healthy piglets last night.
das Ferkel
piglet
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning is almost always clear: if the word refers to an animal, it means the young animal of a pig. If it refers to a person, it is a colloquial, often joking insult for a dirty person.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Bauernhof rannten die kleinen Ferkel durcheinander.
On the farm, the little piglets were running all over the place.
Context: agriculture
When 'Ferkel' (piglet) means the animal, you will typically find the word in contexts related to agriculture, nature, or food. Words like 'Bauernhof' (farm), 'Stall' (stable), 'Sau' (sow, mother animal), or 'Züchter' (breeder) are clear signals.
EXAMPLE
Der Bauer füttert die Ferkel mit spezieller Milch.
The farmer feeds the piglets with special milk.
Register and style
As a term for a person, 'Ferkel' (little pig) is colloquial. It can be harmless teasing, especially toward children, but also a real insult for someone who behaves unhygienically or indecently.
EXAMPLE
Putz dir den Mund ab, du kleines Ferkel!
Wipe your mouth, you little pig!
Compare with
Ferkel vs Sau
sow / pig
'die Sau' and 'das Ferkel' both belong to the area of pigs and can also be used as insults. For the animal, the difference is clear: a 'Sau' is an adult female pig, while a 'Ferkel' is a young pig. As insults, both often have to do with dirtiness or indecent behavior. 'Sau' sounds cruder and harsher, while 'Ferkel' can also sound joking, especially with children or in familiar situations. They can be confused because both are connected with pigs and uncleanliness. But for the animal's age, the key point is: adult female is 'Sau', young is 'Ferkel'.
Ferkel
Im Stall läuft ein kleines Ferkel hinter seiner Mutter her.
In the barn, a small piglet runs after its mother.
Sau
Die Sau schützt ihre Ferkel, wenn jemand zu nah kommt.
The sow protects her piglets when someone comes too close.
In real life
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