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
Both Schäfer and Hirte refer to someone who tends and cares for a flock. Schäfer specifically describes the occupation involving sheep, while Hirte is more general and can also refer to someone looking after other livestock; it can also sound somewhat elevated. Both work with sheep, but Hirte is the appropriate choice for other herd animals.
Schäfer
Der Schäfer führte seine Schafe am Abend zurück zum Stall.
The shepherd led his sheep back to the barn in the evening.
Hirte
Der Hirte führte seine Ziegen am Abend zurück zum Stall.
The shepherd led his goats back to the barn in the evening.
In real life
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