01
der Schäfer
shepherd
A person whose job is to herd, care for, and protect a flock of sheep.
example
Der Schäfer trieb seine Herde über die weiten Wiesen.
The shepherd drove his flock across the wide meadows.
der Schäfer
shepherd
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
The word 'Schäfer' (shepherd) derives directly from 'Schaf' (sheep). The ending '-er' here indicates a person who works professionally with sheep.
EXAMPLE
Ein Schäfer ist jemand, der Schafe hütet.
A shepherd is someone who herds sheep.
Word family
The name of the well-known dog breed 'Schäferhund' (German shepherd / shepherd dog) derives from 'Schäfer' (shepherd). Originally, these were the dogs that helped the shepherd at work.
EXAMPLE
Der Deutsche Schäferhund ist als Polizei- und Familienhund beliebt.
The German shepherd is popular as a police dog and family dog.
Typical collocations
A shepherd is often out and about with his 'Herde' (flock), a group of sheep. The typical verb that describes his activity is 'hüten' (to herd/tend).
EXAMPLE
Der Schäfer hütet seine Herde auf den grünen Feldern.
The shepherd tends his flock in the green fields.
Compare with
Schäfer vs Hirte
shepherd
'der Schäfer' and 'der Hirte' can both mean a person who herds and cares for animals in a pasture. 'der Schäfer' is more specific: it is about sheep and often about the profession. 'der Hirte' is more general and can also be used for other herd animals. In addition, 'Hirte' also appears in religious or figurative texts, for example for a spiritual leader. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Schäfer' is also a 'Hirte'. But not every 'Hirte' is necessarily a 'Schäfer'.
Schäfer
Der Schäfer bringt die Schafe am Abend zurück zum Stall.
The shepherd brings the sheep back to the stable in the evening.
Hirte
In der Geschichte führt der Hirte seine Herde durch die Berge.
In the story, the shepherd leads his flock through the mountains.
In real life
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