01
das Schaf
sheep
A mammal kept as livestock for its wool, milk, and meat.
example
Auf der Weide grast eine Herde Schafe.
A flock of sheep is grazing in the pasture.
das Schaf
sheep
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Schaf' (sheep) from context. If it is about animals or agriculture, it means the animal. In discussions about human behavior, it often means a naive person. The expression 'das schwarze Schaf' (the black sheep) is a fixed idiom for an outsider.
EXAMPLE
Die Schafe müssen vor dem Winter geschoren werden.
The sheep have to be sheared before winter.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'das schwarze Schaf' (the black sheep) is a fixed unit. It usually describes an outsider in a group, typically 'das schwarze Schaf der Familie' (the black sheep of the family).
EXAMPLE
Weil er als einziger Künstler wurde, war er lange das schwarze Schaf der Familie.
Because he was the only one who became an artist, he was long considered the black sheep of the family.
Metaphorical meaning
When a person is called a 'Schaf' (sheep), it is usually meant negatively. It criticizes the person for being uncritical and following others without thinking for themselves.
EXAMPLE
Der Redner forderte das Publikum auf: „Seid keine Schafe, bildet euch eure eigene Meinung!“
The speaker urged the audience: 'Don't be sheep; form your own opinion!'
Typical collocations
In connection with the animal, the verbs 'hüten' (to herd / watch over) and 'scheren' (to shear / cut wool) are often used. A group of sheep is called 'eine Herde' (a flock).
EXAMPLE
Der Hirte hütet seine Herde auf den Bergwiesen.
The shepherd herds his flock in the mountain meadows.
Compare with
Schaf vs Ziege
goat
'Schaf' and 'Ziege' are both farm animals and are often found on farms. That is why they can be easy to confuse. A 'Schaf' is especially associated with wool; it usually looks rounder and is often kept in flocks. A 'Ziege' is often associated with milk, horns, and climbing; it usually looks slimmer. Both words can also be used derogatorily for people, but with different meanings. This should be used carefully. If you are talking about animals: wool fits better with 'Schaf', while goat's milk fits better with 'Ziege'.
Schaf
Auf der Weide steht ein Schaf mit sehr dicker Wolle.
There is a sheep with very thick wool standing in the pasture.
Ziege
Die Ziege klettert auf den kleinen Felsen neben dem Stall.
The goat is climbing onto the small rock next to the stable.
In real life
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