01
der Stall
stable
A building in which farm animals such as horses, cows, pigs, or sheep are kept.
example
Jeden Morgen mistet der Bauer den Kuhstall aus.
Every morning, the farmer mucks out the cowshed.
der Stall
stable
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
False friend
'Der Stall' refers to a building for animals such as cows or horses. The English word 'stall' can also mean a compartment for an animal, but more often refers to a market stand ('market stall') or an engine stopping ('the engine stalled').
EXAMPLE
Die Pferde werden abends in den Stall gebracht.
The horses are brought into the stable in the evening.
Compound words
To specify which animals the stable is for, 'Stall' is often combined with the animal name to form one word. Common examples are 'Pferdestall' (horse stable), 'Kuhstall' (cowshed), 'Schweinestall' (pigsty), or 'Hühnerstall' (chicken coop).
EXAMPLE
Der Geruch aus dem Schweinestall war sehr intensiv.
The smell from the pigsty was very intense.
Colloquial expression
The expression 'es sieht aus wie in einem Stall' (it looks like a stable/pigsty) is a very common colloquial description for a messy and dirty room. It is often used as a reproach.
EXAMPLE
Deine Wohnung ist ja furchtbar! Es sieht hier aus wie in einem Stall.
Your apartment is awful! It looks like a pigsty in here.
Sports terminology
This meaning is limited to the context of professional racing, especially Formula 1, other forms of motor racing, and cycling. It refers to the entire team, including drivers/riders, mechanics, and management.
EXAMPLE
Der Ferrari-Stall feierte einen Doppelsieg.
The Ferrari racing team celebrated a one-two victory.
Compare with
Stall vs Box
box
'die Box' and 'der Stall' can both have to do with animals, especially horses. The 'Stall' is the whole building where animals are kept. A 'Box' is often a single separated place inside it for one animal, for example a 'Pferdebox' (horse stall). The words can be confused because a horse can be in a 'Box' and in the 'Stall'. In practical terms: the 'Stall' is the house for the animals; the 'Box' is the individual area inside it.
Stall
Am Morgen füttert Ali die Pferde im Stall.
In the morning, Ali feeds the horses in the stable.
Box
Das Pferd bleibt heute in seiner Box, weil es sich ausruhen soll.
The horse is staying in its stall today because it needs to rest.
In real life
Loading video examples...