der Hirt
shepherd
A person who tends and cares for a herd of animals, especially sheep or goats.
EXAMPLE
Der Hirt führte seine Schafe auf eine neue Weide.
The shepherd led his sheep to a new pasture.
der Hirt
shepherd
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Meanings
der Hirt
shepherd / pastor
In a religious or figurative sense, a person who spiritually leads and cares for a group of people, such as a pastor or priest.
EXAMPLE
Der Pfarrer sieht sich als Hirte seiner Gemeinde.
The pastor sees himself as the shepherd of his congregation.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Hirt' (shepherd) belongs to the word family of 'hüten' (to guard/tend) and 'die Herde' (the herd/flock). A 'Hirt' is a person who tends a herd or flock, meaning they watch over it and protect it.
EXAMPLE
Ein Schäferhund hilft dem Hirten, die Herde zu hüten.
A sheepdog helps the shepherd tend the flock.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative, religious meaning from words such as 'Gemeinde' (congregation), 'Kirche' (church), 'Seelen' (souls), or 'geistlich' (spiritual). In this context, the 'Hirt' (shepherd) is a leader who cares for a group of people.
EXAMPLE
Der Priester kümmert sich als geistlicher Hirt um die Sorgen seiner Gemeinde.
As a spiritual shepherd, the priest takes care of the concerns of his congregation.
Cultural context
The metaphor 'der gute Hirte' (the good shepherd) is very common in Christianity and refers to Jesus, who cares for his followers ('seine Herde' — his flock). The expression is often used as a symbol of care and guidance.
EXAMPLE
In der Predigt sprach der Pfarrer über das Bild des guten Hirten.
In the sermon, the pastor spoke about the image of the good shepherd.
In real life
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