der Widder
ram
A male sheep, often characterized by its large, curved horns.
EXAMPLE
Der Widder führte die Schafherde auf die Weide.
The ram led the flock of sheep onto the pasture.
der Widder
ram / Aries
der Widder, die Widder
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Meanings
der Widder
Aries
The first sign of the zodiac in the astrological calendar, covering the period from March 21 to April 20.
EXAMPLE
Mein Horoskop sagt, dass ich als Widder diese Woche besonders energiegeladen bin.
My horoscope says that, as an Aries, I am especially energetic this week.
der Widder
battering ram
A historical siege weapon in the form of a heavy beam used to break open walls or gates.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten versuchten, das Burgtor mit einem schweren Widder einzurammen.
The soldiers tried to ram the castle gate with a heavy battering ram.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Widder, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Widder |
| genitive | des Widders |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Widder | die Widder |
| accusative | den Widder | die Widder |
| dative | dem Widder | den Widdern |
| genitive | des Widders | der Widder |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Meaning in context
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Widder' (ram / Aries) from context. If it is about animals and nature, it means the male sheep. In connection with astrology, it is the zodiac sign. In historical texts about wars, it refers to the siege weapon.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Bauernhof gab es viele Schafe und einen großen Widder.
There were many sheep and one large ram on the farm.
Feature: the horns
The animal is often described by its characteristic twisted or curved horns. In descriptions, you will therefore often find the adjective 'gehörnt' (horned) or a mention of the horns.
EXAMPLE
Der Widder stieß mit seinen kräftigen Hörnern gegen den Zaun.
The ram butted against the fence with its strong horns.
Astrological context
When 'Widder' (Aries) means the zodiac sign, it often appears in phrases such as 'im Zeichen des Widders geboren sein' (to be born under the sign of Aries) or in combination with the word 'Sternzeichen' (zodiac sign).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist Sternzeichen Widder und gilt als sehr willensstark.
Her zodiac sign is Aries, and she is considered very strong-willed.
Character traits
In astrology, people born under the sign of Aries are often described as energetic, strong-willed, and impulsive. These traits are associated with the animal.
EXAMPLE
Typisch Widder! Er will immer mit dem Kopf durch die Wand.
Typical Aries! He always wants to force his way through.
Compare with
Widder vs Bock
desire / buck
Bock and Widder can both refer to a male sheep. Widder is the unambiguous term for this; Bock can also mean the male of other animal species and therefore requires a suitable context.
Widder
Auf der Weide steht ein kräftiger Widder mit gebogenen Hörnern.
A sturdy ram with curved horns is standing in the pasture.
Bock
Bei den Schafen auf der Weide steht ein kräftiger Bock.
Among the sheep in the pasture stands a sturdy male.
In real life
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