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der Hengst
stallion
A male, uncastrated horse that can be used for breeding.
example
Der schwarze Hengst gewann das Rennen mit großem Vorsprung.
The black stallion won the race by a wide margin.
der Hengst
stallion
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical adjectives
In its literal meaning, 'Hengst' (stallion) is often combined with adjectives that describe its appearance, breed, or temperament. Examples are 'ein edler Hengst' (a noble stallion), 'ein wilder Hengst' (a wild stallion), or 'ein reinrassiger Hengst' (a purebred stallion).
EXAMPLE
Auf der Koppel graste ein prächtiger brauner Hengst.
A magnificent brown stallion was grazing in the paddock.
Context clue
The figurative meaning for a man can be recognized from the context. It is often used in fixed expressions such as 'den Hengst spielen' (to play the stud) or 'den Hengst raushängen lassen' (to act like a big stud), which describe boastful or dominant behavior.
EXAMPLE
Er muss immer und überall den großen Hengst raushängen lassen.
He always has to act like the big stud everywhere.
Register and style
Using 'Hengst' (stud) for a man is very colloquial and informal. Depending on the tone, it can sound admiring, but also derogatory or mocking.
EXAMPLE
Schau dir den Typen an, so ein Hengst!
Look at that guy, what a stud!
Compare with
Hengst vs Pferd
horse
'das Pferd' and 'der Hengst' both belong to the area of animals and riding. 'Pferd' is the general word for the animal, whether it is male or female, young or old. 'Hengst' is more specific: it means a male, uncastrated horse. Learners may confuse the words because every stallion is a horse, but not every horse is a stallion. If the sex is not important, 'Pferd' is more natural.
Hengst
Der Hengst wurde auf dem Hof getrennt von den anderen Pferden gehalten.
The stallion was kept on the farm separately from the other horses.
Pferd
Auf der Wiese stand ein braunes Pferd und fraß Gras.
A brown horse stood in the meadow and ate grass.
In real life
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