01
das Rind
cattle
A large farm animal from the bovid family, kept for its meat and milk. The term includes cows, bulls, and oxen.
example
Auf der Weide graste eine Herde Rinder.
A herd of cattle was grazing in the pasture.
das Rind
cattle / beef
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether the animal or the meat is meant. If people are talking about agriculture, animals in a pasture, or using the plural 'Rinder' (cattle), the animal is meant. If it is about cooking, eating, or shopping at the butcher's, the meat is meant.
EXAMPLE
Der Bauer hat seine Rinder auf eine neue Weide getrieben.
The farmer drove his cattle to a new pasture.
General term
'Rind' (cattle) is a general term. It can refer to male animals ('Bulle' (bull), 'Ochse' (ox)) and female animals ('Kuh' (cow)). If you do not want to specify the sex, 'Rind' is the right choice.
EXAMPLE
Die Rinderzucht ist ein wichtiger Wirtschaftszweig in dieser Region.
Cattle breeding is an important economic sector in this region.
Use as meat
When 'Rind' (beef) stands for meat, it is used like an uncountable material and always appears in the singular without an article. You can simply say 'Rind essen' (to eat beef) without having to add the word 'Fleisch' (meat).
EXAMPLE
Isst du lieber Rind oder Schwein?
Do you prefer beef or pork?
Compare with
Rind vs Kuh
cow
'Kuh' and 'Rind' are very closely related. 'Rind' is the general umbrella term for this type of animal and can include cows, bulls, and oxen. 'Kuh' is more specific and means an adult female bovine. The words can be confused because a cow is always a 'Rind'. But not every 'Rind' is a cow. If the sex of the animal is not important, 'Rind' fits. If you mean the female animal or are talking about milk, 'Kuh' is more precise.
Rind
Auf dem Schild stand, dass jedes Rind auf dem Hof genug Platz haben muss.
The sign said that every head of cattle on the farm must have enough space.
Kuh
Nach dem Füttern brachte der Bauer die Kuh zurück in den Stall.
After feeding it, the farmer brought the cow back into the barn.
In real life
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