das Tier
animal
A living being that is not a human or a plant, especially a mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or insect.
EXAMPLE
Im Zoo kann man viele exotische Tiere beobachten.
At the zoo, you can observe many exotic animals.
das Tier
animal
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Meanings
das Tier
animal
A derogatory term for a person who behaves brutally, ruthlessly, or uncivilized.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich im Streit wie ein wildes Tier aufgeführt.
During the argument, he behaved like a wild animal.
das Tier
beast
Colloquially, an approving term for a person with exceptional physical strength, endurance, or performance ability.
EXAMPLE
Beim Gewichtheben ist sie ein absolutes Tier, sie schafft 150 Kilo.
In weightlifting, she's an absolute beast; she can lift 150 kilos.
Usage tips
Word family
'Tier' (animal) is the base word for many useful compounds. Examples include 'das Haustier' (pet), 'das Wildtier' (wild animal), or 'der Tierarzt' (vet).
EXAMPLE
Viele Kinder wünschen sich ein Haustier, zum Beispiel einen Hund oder eine Katze.
Many children want a pet, for example a dog or a cat.
Context clue
When 'Tier' (animal) is used for a person, the context is crucial. As an insult, it describes brutal behavior; as a compliment, however, it describes exceptional strength or performance, often in sports.
EXAMPLE
Er schrie und warf mit Sachen – er benahm sich wie ein wildes Tier.
He screamed and threw things—he behaved like a wild animal.
Typical verbs
Certain verbs are often used in connection with animals. These include 'Tiere halten' (to keep animals, as pets), 'Tiere füttern' (to feed animals), and 'Tiere beobachten' (to observe animals).
EXAMPLE
Im Streichelzoo ist es erlaubt, die Ziegen zu füttern.
At the petting zoo, it is allowed to feed the goats.
Register
The approving use of 'Tier' (animal/beast) for a person is very colloquial. It is mostly used among friends or in informal situations.
EXAMPLE
Wow, du hast die ganze Kiste allein getragen? Du bist echt ein Tier!
Wow, you carried the whole crate by yourself? You're a real beast!
Compare with
Tier vs Vieh
livestock / brute
Tier can refer to a single animal or to any animal. Vieh, on the other hand, refers to farm animals kept as livestock, viewed as a stock or group. So Tier is appropriate for a single cow, while Vieh refers collectively to the cows on a farm.
Tier
Dieses Tier auf der Weide muss heute vom Tierarzt untersucht werden.
This animal in the pasture needs to be examined by the veterinarian today.
Vieh
Das Vieh auf der Weide wird heute in den neuen Stall gebracht.
The livestock in the pasture will be moved to the new barn today.
In real life
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