Wild animals are creatures that live in natural habitats, not domesticated or tamed by humans. In German, wild animals are called Wildtiere (das Wildtier, plural: die Wildtiere) or Wild (used collectively for game animals). This page covers essential wild animal vocabulary with articles and plurals.
Wildtiere
German wild animals include 'der Wolf' (wolf), 'der Fuchs' (fox), and 'der Bär' (bear).

A1 German Wild Animal Vocabulary

GermanArticlePluralEnglishNotes
der Wolfderdie WölfewolfTypical wild animal
der Fuchsderdie FüchsefoxClever, common in tales
der Bärderdie BärenbearLarge, strong
das Rehdasdie Reheroe deerSmall deer, wild
der Hirschderdie Hirschestag/deerMajestic, male deer
der Luchsderdie LuchselynxWildcat, elusive
der Dachsderdie DachsebadgerNocturnal
das Wildschweindasdie Wildschweinewild boarStrong, pig-like
  • Wild animals are usually masculine when referring to predators, and both "das Reh" and "Wildschwein" are neuter.
  • Plurals often show typical German patterns for animal names, including umlaut changes (Wolf → Wölfe).
Wolf, Fuchs, Reh, and Bär are wild animals. Hund and Kuh are not.
Wild boar is 'das Wildschwein' in German.
The correct plurals are Wölfe, Füchse, Bären.

Notable Characteristics of Wild Animals

Wild animals (Wildtiere) differ from domestic animals in several ways:
  • They live in natural environments like forests, mountains, and fields.
  • They are not tamed and rely on natural instincts for survival.
  • Many are nocturnal or elusive to avoid human contact.
  • They often have specialized adaptations like camouflage, sharp senses, and robust physical traits.
Wild animals live undomesticated in natural habitats.
Wild animals live in natural environments, have survival adaptations, and are undomesticated.
In forests, mountains, and other natural habitats

German Wild Animals in Context

Wild animals are important in German culture and language. They appear in fairy tales, literature, and environmental discussions. Some German regions have specific game animals legally defined as "Wild," and hunting seasons (Jagdzeiten) are regulated by law.
  • German wild animals are often featured in children's stories by the Brothers Grimm.
  • Conservation of Wildtiere is a significant topic in Germany, reflected in media and schools.
  • Many zoos (Zoos) and wildlife parks (Wildparks) in Germany showcase native Wildtiere.
Wild animals are significant in fairy tales, conservation, and hunting regulations.
Wild animals appear in fairy tales, conservation, and hunting in German culture.
Teaching vocabulary about nature and the environment
Wildpark, Zoo, and Naturmuseum are correct.
Wolf, Fuchs, Dachs, Reh, and Wildschwein are wild animals, while Hund, Katze, and Hausschwein are not.
'Roe deer' is 'das Reh' in German.
Wild animals live in natural habitats, have survival adaptations, and are not domesticated.
In forests, mountains, and other natural areas
Wild animals appear in fairy tales, conservation, and hunting traditions.
To teach about nature and ecology
Wildpark, zoo, and nature museum
'Der Dachs' is a wild animal (badger).
No, 'Hund' and 'Katze' refer to domestic animals, not wild ones.

Conclusion

German wild animal vocabulary covers creatures living untamed in nature, bridging language with culture and ecology.
  • Wild animals = Wildtiere, not domesticated, living in forests and wild regions.
  • Key terms: der Wolf, der Fuchs, der Bär, das Reh, das Wildschwein.
  • Wild animals are important in German stories, conservation, and legal hunting contexts.