pâturer in 30 Sekunden
- Pâturer: Animals eating grass in a pasture.
- Core meaning: Grazing; feeding on vegetation in situ.
- Context: Farms, countryside, animals, nature.
- Key use: Describing livestock behavior.
The French verb pâturer specifically refers to the act of animals, such as cows, sheep, or horses, eating grass and other vegetation directly from a pasture or field. It describes the natural behavior of grazing. While it's primarily used for livestock, in a more figurative or poetic sense, it can sometimes be used to describe something spreading or growing extensively, like a vine covering a wall, though this is less common.
You'll most frequently encounter pâturer when discussing agriculture, farming, animals, or rural landscapes. It evokes a pastoral image, often associated with peace, nature, and the simple life. Imagine a farmer checking on their sheep in a green meadow, or a child learning about farm animals. The word paints a clear picture of animals contentedly feeding in their natural environment.
Consider the context of a documentary about wildlife, a storybook for children, or a travelogue describing the French countryside. In these settings, pâturer is the perfect verb to convey the image of animals engaged in their essential activity. It’s a descriptive word that adds a touch of authenticity and naturalism to the narrative.
The verb implies a sustained action. An animal doesn't just take a bite; it spends time in the pasture, grazing. This continuous feeding is central to the meaning of pâturer. It’s not about a quick snack but a prolonged period of foraging for food in a designated area.
- Key Concept
- The core idea of pâturer is animals feeding on vegetation in situ, meaning they are eating it directly from the ground where it grows.
- Imagery
- Think of rolling green hills dotted with sheep, or a herd of cows lazily chewing their cud under a warm sun. This is the scene pâturer helps to describe.
- Beyond Animals?
- While primarily for animals, very rarely, you might hear it used metaphorically for plants spreading widely, but this is uncommon and context-dependent. Stick to the animal meaning for clarity.
The cows were happy to pâturer in the fresh green meadow.
During the summer, the sheep pâturer on the mountain slopes.
Using pâturer correctly involves understanding its subject (usually animals) and its object (the pasture or vegetation). It's a regular -er verb, meaning it follows the standard conjugation patterns for this common verb group in French.
The most straightforward structure is: Subject + pâturer + dans/sur + Location. For example, 'Les moutons pâturent dans le pré' (The sheep are grazing in the meadow). The preposition 'dans' (in) or 'sur' (on) is typically used to indicate the location where the grazing is happening.
You can also use it intransitively, implying the action without explicitly stating the location if it's understood from context. For instance, 'Les vaches aiment pâturer' (The cows like to graze). This implies they graze in their designated areas.
In the present tense, the conjugations are: je pâture, tu pâtures, il/elle/on pâture, nous pâturons, vous pâturez, ils/elles pâturent. The past tense (passé composé) is formed with 'avoir': j'ai pâturé, tu as pâturé, etc. The imperfect tense (imparfait) is also common: je pâturais, tu pâturais, etc., used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past.
- Basic Structure
- Subject (animal) + pâturer + [preposition + location]. Example: 'Le cheval pâture dans le champ.' (The horse grazes in the field.)
- Intransitive Use
- Sometimes, the location is implied. Example: 'Les animaux doivent pâturer.' (The animals must graze.)
We observed the horses pâturer peacefully by the river.
In the spring, the lambs begin to pâturer in the meadows.
The farmer let his goats pâturer on the hillside.
You'll most commonly hear pâturer in contexts related to rural life, agriculture, and nature. Think of conversations among farmers discussing their livestock, veterinarians describing animal behavior, or nature enthusiasts observing wildlife.
In France, especially in regions with significant agricultural activity like Normandy, Brittany, Provence, or the Alps, the word is part of everyday language for those involved in farming. A farmer might say, 'Mes vaches ont bien pâturé aujourd'hui' (My cows grazed well today) after a sunny day.
Educational materials for children about farm animals or the environment frequently use pâturer. Storybooks, documentaries, and museum exhibits aimed at younger audiences will likely feature this verb to explain how animals feed.
Travelers visiting the French countryside might hear it from locals describing the landscape. For example, someone might point to a field and say, 'C'est là que les moutons pâturent en été' (That's where the sheep graze in summer).
Beyond direct conversations, pâturer appears in written forms related to farming, such as agricultural journals, websites about animal husbandry, and even in the descriptions of rural properties for sale. It's a functional word used to convey a specific agricultural activity.
- Rural Dialogue
- Farmers discussing grazing land, animal health, and seasonal movements of livestock.
- Educational Content
- Children's books, documentaries, and nature programs explaining animal diets and behaviors.
- Tourism and Descriptions
- Local guides or descriptions of rural landscapes and agricultural practices.
The guide explained how the animals pâturent on the alpine meadows in summer.
In the documentary, we saw wild horses pâturer across the vast plains.
One common mistake is confusing pâturer with verbs that describe eating in general, like 'manger'. While animals eat, 'manger' is a general term. Pâturer is specific to eating grass or vegetation directly from the ground in a pasture. Saying 'Les vaches mangent dans le champ' is understandable, but 'Les vaches pâturent dans le champ' is more precise and idiomatic.
Another potential pitfall is using it for animals eating food provided to them, like hay in a stable or feed from a trough. Pâturer implies grazing in an open field. For example, if a horse is eating hay inside a barn, you would use 'manger' or 'se nourrir', not pâturer.
Incorrect conjugation is also a frequent error, especially for learners. Since it's a regular -er verb, it's essential to master its present, past, and imperfect tense conjugations. Forgetting the 'nous' form (pâturons) or the 'ils/elles' form (pâturent) in the present tense can lead to grammatical mistakes.
Misusing prepositions can also occur. While 'dans' and 'sur' are common, learners might use incorrect ones or omit them entirely. Always remember that the grazing happens 'in' or 'on' a location.
Finally, trying to use pâturer in contexts unrelated to animals grazing can be a mistake. Its meaning is quite specific. Applying it to humans eating, or to plants 'eating' sunlight, is not standard usage and would likely cause confusion.
- Confusing with 'manger'
- Pâturer is specific to grazing in a pasture; 'manger' is general eating. Use pâturer only for animals eating grass directly from the ground.
- Incorrect Context
- Do not use pâturer for animals eating indoors, fed hay, or for humans eating. It's strictly for grazing.
- Conjugation Errors
- Ensure correct endings for all subject pronouns, especially 'nous' (pâturons) and 'ils/elles' (pâturent) in the present tense.
Incorrect: Les lapins mangent dans le jardin. Correct: Les lapins pâturent dans le jardin.
Incorrect: Les chevaux mangent du foin à l'écurie. Correct: Les chevaux mangent du foin à l'écurie. (You wouldn't use pâturer here.)
While pâturer is specific, several other French words relate to eating or feeding, offering nuances in meaning.
- Manger (to eat)
- This is the most general verb for eating. It applies to humans and animals alike, regardless of what or where they are eating. Pâturer is a specific type of 'manger'.
- Se nourrir (to feed oneself, to be nourished)
- This verb focuses more on the biological process of taking in sustenance. It can be used for animals and plants and implies a more fundamental need for food. 'Les plantes se nourrissent de la lumière du soleil' (Plants feed on sunlight).
- Brouter (to graze, to nibble)
- This is very similar to pâturer and is often used interchangeably for animals eating grass. 'Brouter' can sometimes imply smaller, more frequent bites or nibbling, whereas pâturer suggests a more sustained grazing session. It can also be used for animals nibbling on leaves or branches.
- Pacage (pasture, grazing land) / Pâturage (pasture)
- These are nouns related to the verb pâturer. 'Pacage' and 'pâturage' refer to the land where animals graze. The verb 'pâturer' describes the action that happens in the 'pacage' or 'pâturage'.
Pâturer vs. Brouter: Both mean to graze, but brouter can also mean to nibble leaves. 'Les moutons pâturent dans le pré.' vs. 'Le lapin broute les feuilles de salade.'
Pâturer is the action, 'pâturage' is the place. 'Les chevaux pâturent dans le pâturage.'
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The Latin root 'pascere' is also the origin of the word 'pastor', meaning 'shepherd'. A shepherd's primary role is to lead sheep to pasture and tend to them while they graze, hence the direct connection between the verb 'to graze' and the noun 'shepherd'. This highlights the deeply ingrained relationship between this verb and rural life.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the final 'e' as in English 'her'.
- Using an English 'r' sound instead of the French guttural 'r'.
- Incorrect vowel sounds for 'â' or 'u'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
This word is relatively easy to understand in context, especially when reading about animals or rural life. The CEFR A2 level indicates it's suitable for intermediate learners. Its meaning is quite specific and often reinforced by the surrounding vocabulary.
Using 'pâturer' correctly in writing requires understanding its specific meaning and conjugation. Learners might confuse it with 'manger' or use incorrect prepositions. Mastering its nuances is key for accurate writing.
Pronunciation is generally straightforward, but mastering the French 'r' and the final silent 'e' is important. Recalling the word spontaneously in conversation might be a slight challenge initially.
Recognizing 'pâturer' when spoken is usually easy, especially in contexts related to farming or nature. The sound is distinct enough, and context clues help significantly.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Conjugation of -er verbs in the present tense.
Je pâture, tu pâtures, il/elle/on pâture, nous pâturons, vous pâturez, ils/elles pâturent.
Using infinitives after modal verbs (aimer, pouvoir, devoir, vouloir).
Les moutons aiment pâturer.
Using infinitives after causative verbs (faire, laisser).
Le fermier fait pâturer les vaches. / Il laisse pâturer les moutons.
The imperfect tense (imparfait) for ongoing or habitual actions in the past.
Autrefois, les troupeaux pâturaient dans cette vallée.
The passé composé for completed actions in the past.
Hier, les chevaux ont pâturé toute la journée.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Les vaches mangent dans le champ.
The cows eat in the field.
Simple present tense, plural subject 'vaches' with plural verb 'mangent'.
Le cheval mange de l'herbe.
The horse eats grass.
Simple present tense, singular subject 'cheval' with singular verb 'mange'.
Les moutons sont dans le pré.
The sheep are in the meadow.
Simple present tense of 'être', plural subject 'moutons'.
L'animal mange.
The animal eats.
Simple present tense, singular subject 'animal'.
Les chèvres aiment l'herbe.
The goats like grass.
Simple present tense, plural subject 'chèvres' with plural verb 'aiment'.
Il y a des vaches dehors.
There are cows outside.
'Il y a' construction for existence.
Le fermier regarde les animaux.
The farmer watches the animals.
Simple present tense, singular subject 'fermier' with singular verb 'regarde'.
Le champ est vert.
The field is green.
Simple present tense of 'être', singular subject 'champ'.
Les vaches pâturent dans le pré vert.
The cows are grazing in the green meadow.
Present tense of 'pâturer', plural subject 'vaches'. 'dans le pré vert' specifies the location.
Le cheval aime pâturer au soleil.
The horse likes to graze in the sun.
Present tense of 'aimer' + infinitive 'pâturer'. 'au soleil' indicates the condition.
Les moutons pâturaient sur la colline hier.
The sheep were grazing on the hill yesterday.
Imperfect tense of 'pâturer', plural subject 'moutons'. 'sur la colline' specifies location, 'hier' specifies time.
Nous avons vu des chèvres pâturer près du ruisseau.
We saw goats grazing near the stream.
Passé composé of 'voir' + infinitive 'pâturer'. 'près du ruisseau' specifies location.
Le fermier a laissé ses bêtes pâturer.
The farmer let his animals graze.
Passé composé of 'laisser' + infinitive 'pâturer'. 'ses bêtes' is the direct object.
Quand il pleut, les animaux ne pâturent pas.
When it rains, the animals do not graze.
Negative present tense of 'pâturer'. 'Quand il pleut' sets the condition.
Le champ où les vaches pâturent est très grand.
The field where the cows graze is very large.
Relative clause 'où les vaches pâturent' modifying 'le champ'.
Demain, les ânes vont pâturer dans la prairie.
Tomorrow, the donkeys will graze in the meadow.
Futur proche ('aller' + infinitive) 'vont pâturer'. 'dans la prairie' specifies location.
Les troupeaux de brebis pâturent paisiblement sur les flancs de la montagne.
The flocks of ewes graze peacefully on the mountainside.
Present tense of 'pâturer', plural subject 'troupeaux de brebis'. 'paisiblement' is an adverb, 'sur les flancs de la montagne' specifies location.
Après la moisson, le champ est laissé aux animaux pour qu'ils puissent pâturer.
After the harvest, the field is left for the animals so they can graze.
Present tense of 'pâturer' within a subordinate clause introduced by 'pour que' (so that), requiring the subjunctive mood (though 'puissent' is the subjunctive of 'pouvoir').
Il était habitué à voir les chevaux pâturer dans cette vaste étendue.
He was used to seeing the horses graze in this vast expanse.
Imperfect tense of 'être habitué' + infinitive 'voir' + infinitive 'pâturer'. 'dans cette vaste étendue' specifies location.
Le glissement de terrain a empêché les vaches de pâturer dans leur zone habituelle.
The landslide prevented the cows from grazing in their usual area.
Passé composé of 'empêcher' + 'de' + infinitive 'pâturer'. 'dans leur zone habituelle' specifies the restricted location.
L'agriculteur a décidé de faire pâturer ses agneaux dans un nouveau pré.
The farmer decided to let his lambs graze in a new meadow.
Passé composé of 'décider' + infinitive 'faire' + infinitive 'pâturer'. 'dans un nouveau pré' specifies the new location.
On entendait le doux son des cloches des vaches qui pâturaient au loin.
We could hear the gentle sound of the bells of the cows grazing in the distance.
Imperfect tense of 'entendre' and 'pâturer'. 'qui pâturaient' is a relative clause.
La régulation de la végétation se fait souvent en laissant les animaux pâturer.
Vegetation management is often done by letting animals graze.
Infinitive 'pâturer' used after 'laisser' in a general statement.
Les ânes sauvages ont besoin d'espaces où ils peuvent librement pâturer.
Wild donkeys need spaces where they can freely graze.
Subjunctive mood ('puissent pâturer') after 'où' expressing possibility/purpose.
La pratique ancestrale consistait à faire pâturer les troupeaux en transhumance, suivant les saisons.
The ancestral practice consisted of letting the herds graze during transhumance, following the seasons.
Infinitive 'pâturer' following 'faire' (causative). 'en transhumance' describes the method.
L'équilibre écologique de la région dépend en grande partie de la capacité des herbivores à pâturer de manière durable.
The ecological balance of the region largely depends on the herbivores' ability to graze sustainably.
Infinitive 'pâturer' following 'capacité'. 'de manière durable' is an adverbial phrase.
Il est crucial que les gestionnaires de parcs naturels comprennent comment le fait de laisser les animaux pâturer affecte la biodiversité.
It is crucial that nature park managers understand how letting animals graze affects biodiversity.
Subjunctive mood ('affecte') after 'comment'. 'le fait de laisser les animaux pâturer' is a nominalized phrase.
Les conséquences de la surpopulation ovine se manifestent par une dégradation des sols due à un pâturage excessif.
The consequences of sheep overpopulation are manifested by soil degradation due to excessive grazing.
Noun form 'pâturage' (grazing) used here, related to the verb 'pâturer'.
Les éleveurs ont été contraints de déplacer leurs bêtes, car l'herbe avait cessé de pâturer après une longue sécheresse.
The breeders were forced to move their animals, as the grass had stopped growing, preventing grazing after a long drought.
Infinitive 'pâturer' used slightly metaphorically here, implying the grass *itself* was unable to support grazing, rather than the animals not grazing.
On observe une tendance à réintroduire des espèces sauvages pour qu'elles pâturent et maintiennent ainsi les écosystèmes.
There is a trend to reintroduce wild species so that they graze and thus maintain ecosystems.
Subjunctive mood ('pâturent') after 'pour que'. 'ainsi' is an adverb.
La rotation des cultures et le pâturage alterné sont des méthodes agricoles durables.
Crop rotation and alternating grazing are sustainable agricultural methods.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a list of agricultural practices.
Les experts débattent de l'impact réel du pâturage contrôlé sur la résilience des prairies alpines.
Experts debate the real impact of controlled grazing on the resilience of alpine meadows.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a formal discussion context.
L'intervention humaine, par le biais du pâturage sélectif, a façonné le paysage végétal des Causses au fil des siècles.
Human intervention, through selective grazing, has shaped the plant landscape of the Causses over the centuries.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a historical and ecological context. 'par le biais de' means 'by means of'.
Les études écologiques suggèrent que la diversité des plantes augmente lorsque les herbivores sont autorisés à pâturer de manière moins restrictive.
Ecological studies suggest that plant diversity increases when herbivores are allowed to graze in less restrictive ways.
Infinitive 'pâturer' follows 'autorisés à'. 'de manière moins restrictive' is an adverbial phrase.
La question de savoir si le pâturage intensif nuit à la régénération des sols est au cœur de nombreux débats environnementaux.
The question of whether intensive grazing harms soil regeneration is at the heart of many environmental debates.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a complex sentence structure focusing on a debate.
On observe une recrudescence des populations de certaines espèces, favorisée par des zones où elles peuvent pâturer sans être dérangées.
An increase in populations of certain species is observed, favored by areas where they can graze without being disturbed.
Subjunctive mood ('pâturent') after 'où' expressing a characteristic of the areas.
La transition vers des systèmes agricoles plus durables implique souvent de repenser la manière dont les animaux pâturent.
The transition towards more sustainable agricultural systems often involves rethinking the way animals graze.
Infinitive 'pâturent' follows 'dont' (how/the way in which).
Les effets du pâturage sur la séquestration du carbone dans les prairies tempérées font l'objet de recherches approfondies.
The effects of grazing on carbon sequestration in temperate grasslands are the subject of in-depth research.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a scientific research context.
Il est primordial de trouver un équilibre entre la nécessité pour les éleveurs de laisser leurs bêtes pâturer et la préservation des écosystèmes fragiles.
It is paramount to find a balance between the necessity for breeders to let their animals graze and the preservation of fragile ecosystems.
Infinitive 'pâturer' follows 'laisser' (causative). 'entre X et Y' structure.
L'évolution de la flore locale est intrinsèquement liée aux cycles de pâturage et de repos des terres.
The evolution of local flora is intrinsically linked to the cycles of grazing and land rest.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a biological and ecological context.
La dynamique complexe des écosystèmes pastoraux réside dans l'interaction subtile entre la physiologie des plantes, les conditions climatiques et les modalités de pâturage.
The complex dynamics of pastoral ecosystems lie in the subtle interaction between plant physiology, climatic conditions, and grazing modalities.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a highly technical and academic context.
Les archéologues s'interrogent sur la date à laquelle les premières populations ont commencé à domestiquer des animaux et à les faire pâturer de manière organisée.
Archaeologists question the date at which the first populations began to domesticate animals and let them graze in an organized manner.
Infinitive 'pâturer' follows 'faire' (causative). 'de manière organisée' is an adverbial phrase.
Il est impératif de modéliser les flux énergétiques afin de comprendre comment le pâturage influe sur la biomasse disponible pour les prédateurs.
It is imperative to model energy flows to understand how grazing influences the biomass available for predators.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a scientific modeling context.
La gestion adaptative des prairies implique une surveillance constante des indicateurs de santé du sol et de la végétation, et l'ajustement des périodes de pâturage en conséquence.
Adaptive management of grasslands involves constant monitoring of soil and vegetation health indicators, and adjusting grazing periods accordingly.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a sophisticated management strategy context.
Les récits historiques font état de vastes étendues où des milliers de têtes de bétail pouvaient pâturer pendant de longues périodes.
Historical accounts speak of vast expanses where thousands of cattle could graze for long periods.
Subjunctive mood ('pouvaient pâturer') after 'où' expressing a characteristic or possibility in the past.
La dégradation des écosystèmes arides est souvent exacerbée par un pâturage non contrôlé, menant à la désertification.
The degradation of arid ecosystems is often exacerbated by uncontrolled grazing, leading to desertification.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a critical environmental context.
Les chercheurs explorent des méthodes innovantes pour optimiser le pâturage, conciliant productivité économique et préservation environnementale.
Researchers are exploring innovative methods to optimize grazing, reconciling economic productivity and environmental preservation.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a context of research and balancing competing interests.
La capacité d'une prairie à supporter le pâturage dépend de facteurs intrinsèques tels que la résilience des espèces végétales et la disponibilité hydrique.
A meadow's capacity to support grazing depends on intrinsic factors such as the resilience of plant species and water availability.
Noun form 'pâturage' used in a technical discussion of ecological capacity.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— This is a simple and direct statement indicating that cows are grazing.
On voit les vaches qui pâturent dans le champ.
— This expresses a preference or natural inclination for sheep to graze.
Les moutons aiment pâturer dans l'herbe fraîche.
— This means to allow animals to graze freely in a designated area.
Le fermier a décidé de laisser les animaux pâturer dans la prairie.
— This describes horses grazing in a calm and peaceful manner.
Il est agréable de regarder les chevaux pâturer paisiblement.
— This refers to the act or practice of sheep grazing. Note the use of the noun 'pâturage'.
Le pâturage des moutons est essentiel pour l'entretien des collines.
— This phrase introduces a condition or a time when animals are grazing.
Quand les animaux pâturent, le paysage est très beau.
— This is a causative structure meaning 'to make the animals graze' or 'to have the animals graze'.
Le berger doit faire pâturer les bêtes près de la rivière.
— This describes a specific field characterized by the presence of grazing cows.
J'adore me promener dans le champ où les vaches pâturent.
— This highlights the grazing behavior of goats, often using 'brouter' as a close synonym.
Les chèvres aiment brouter les feuilles des buissons.
— This evokes a sensory image of cows grazing, often associated with rural tranquility.
Nous entendions le son des cloches des vaches qui pâturent au loin.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
'Manger' is a general term for eating, applicable to humans and animals in any context. 'Pâturer' is specific to animals eating grass directly from the ground in a pasture. You wouldn't say a cow 'mange' hay in a stable; you'd say it 'mange' or 'se nourrit'. But if it's in the field, it 'pâture'.
Very similar and often interchangeable with 'pâturer' for grazing. 'Brouter' can sometimes imply nibbling or eating leaves/branches, while 'pâturer' leans more towards sustained grazing on grass in a pasture. The distinction is subtle and context-dependent.
A more formal or literary synonym for 'pâturer'. While they mean the same thing, 'paître' is less common in everyday spoken French and more likely to be found in written works or formal discussions about pastoralism.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— This is not a true idiom but a grammatical construction emphasizing the ongoing action. It means 'to be in the process of grazing'.
Les chevaux sont en train de pâturer dans le champ.
Neutral— Literally 'to leave the field free for grazing', this idiom means to allow animals complete freedom to graze in an area, often implying a generous or unhindered provision of pasture.
Le propriétaire terrien a décidé de laisser le champ libre pour pâturer aux troupeaux voisins.
Rural/Figurative— This means 'to lead to pasture' or 'to take to graze'. It refers to the action of guiding animals to their grazing grounds.
Le berger mène au pâturage ses brebis chaque matin.
Rural— Literally 'animals for grazing', this refers to livestock specifically raised for grazing in pastures, such as cattle, sheep, or horses.
Dans cette région, on élève surtout des bêtes à pâturer.
Rural— This refers to the period or season when animals are typically grazing.
C'est le temps de pâturer pour les agneaux, l'herbe est abondante.
Rural/Seasonal— This describes a landscape characterized by pastures and grazing animals.
Nous avons traversé un magnifique paysage de pâturage.
Descriptive— Literally 'let the animals graze their fill', this means to allow animals to eat as much as they want in the pasture.
Après l'hiver, le fermier laisse les animaux pâturer leur saoul.
Figurative/Rural— To find good grazing land; to find a suitable place for animals to feed.
Il faut trouver un bon pâturage pour le troupeau cet été.
Rural— The legal right to graze animals on a particular piece of land.
Les villageois revendiquent le droit de pâturage sur ces terres.
Legal/Rural— A system of rotational grazing where animals are moved between different pastures.
Un système de pâturage tournant aide à la régénération de l'herbe.
AgriculturalLeicht verwechselbar
Similar sound and meaning to 'brouter' and 'paître'.
'Pâturer' specifically refers to animals grazing on grass in a pasture. 'Brouter' can also mean to nibble leaves or branches and is sometimes used for smaller, more frequent bites. 'Paître' is a more formal or literary synonym. All three relate to animals eating vegetation, but 'pâturer' is the most direct term for sustained grazing in a field.
Les moutons <strong>pâturent</strong> dans le pré. Les lapins <strong>broutent</strong> les salades. Les troupeaux <strong>paissent</strong> sur la montagne.
Confusion with general eating verbs like 'manger'.
'Pâturer' is the specific action of animals eating grass directly from the ground in a pasture. 'Manger' is the general verb for eating and can be used for humans and animals, for any type of food, and in any location (e.g., eating hay in a barn). You use 'pâturer' when the context is clearly grazing in an open field.
Les vaches <strong>pâturent</strong> dans le champ. Les chevaux <strong>mangent</strong> du foin à l'écurie.
Related nouns like 'pâturage' and 'pacage'.
'Pâturer' is a verb describing the action of grazing. 'Pâturage' and 'pacage' are nouns referring to the place where animals graze – the pasture or grazing land. You 'pâturer' *in* the 'pâturage' or 'pacage'.
Les animaux <strong>pâturent</strong> dans le <strong>pâturage</strong>.
Potential confusion with words related to pastry ('pâtisserie', 'pâtissier').
Despite the similar sound, 'pâturer' (to graze) has no relation to 'pâtisserie' (pastry) or 'pâtissier' (pastry chef). The former relates to animal behavior and agriculture, while the latter relates to baking and desserts. The connection is purely phonetic.
Le cheval va <strong>pâturer</strong>. Le pâtissier fait un gâteau.
Overuse or misuse in non-standard contexts.
'Pâturer' is almost exclusively used for animals grazing on vegetation in situ. Using it metaphorically for plants spreading extensively is rare and potentially confusing. Stick to the literal meaning for clarity.
Les moutons <strong>pâturent</strong> dans la prairie. (Correct) Le lierre <strong>pâture</strong> sur le mur. (Unusual/Metaphorical, better to use 'couvre' or 's'étend').
Satzmuster
Subject (animal) + manger + Location.
La vache mange dans le champ.
Subject (animal) + pâturer + dans/sur + Location.
Les moutons <strong>pâturent dans le pré</strong>.
Subject (animal) + aimer + pâturer.
Le cheval <strong>aime pâturer</strong>.
Subject (animal) + imparfait de pâturer.
Les chèvres <strong>pâturaient</strong> sur la colline.
Faire + pâturer + Subject.
Le berger <strong>fait pâturer</strong> les brebis.
Laisser + Subject + pâturer.
Le fermier <strong>laisse les animaux pâturer</strong> librement.
Où + Subject + pâturer.
Le champ <strong>où les vaches pâturent</strong> est très grand.
Pour que + Subject + pâturer (subjunctive).
Il faut des espaces <strong>pour que les troupeaux puissent pâturer</strong>.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Common, especially in contexts related to agriculture, rural life, and animals.
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Using 'pâturer' for humans eating.
→
Humans use 'manger'.
'Pâturer' is exclusively for animals grazing. Saying 'Je pâture' would mean 'I graze like an animal,' which is incorrect. Humans always 'mangent'.
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Confusing 'pâturer' with 'manger' in specific contexts.
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Use 'pâturer' for grazing in a pasture; use 'manger' for general eating or eating provided food.
If a cow is in a field eating grass, it 'pâture'. If that same cow is in a barn eating hay, it 'mange'. 'Pâturer' implies the location and the method (eating directly from the ground).
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Incorrect conjugation of 'pâturer'.
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Standard -er verb conjugation.
Common errors include 'nous pâture' instead of 'nous pâturons' or 'ils pâture' instead of 'ils pâturent'. Ensure correct endings for all persons.
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Using 'pâturer' for animals eating indoors or fed specific rations.
→
Use 'manger' or 'se nourrir'.
'Pâturer' implies grazing in an open field. If animals are being fed inside or given specific feed mixes, 'manger' or 'se nourrir' is the appropriate verb.
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Confusing 'pâturer' (verb) with 'pâturage' (noun).
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Recognize the difference between the action and the place.
'Pâturer' is the action of grazing. 'Pâturage' is the pasture or grazing land. You 'pâturer' *in* the 'pâturage'.
Tipps
Specificity is Key
Remember that 'pâturer' is very specific. It's not just 'eating'; it's 'eating grass directly from the ground in a pasture'. Use it when this precise image is intended.
Link to 'Pasture'
The English word 'pasture' sounds very similar to the French 'pâturer'. Create a mental link: pasture = pâturer. This will help you recall the meaning and context.
Conjugation Practice
As a regular -er verb, 'pâturer' follows predictable conjugation patterns. Practice its present, imperfect, and passé composé forms to use it confidently in sentences.
Contextual Clues
When you encounter 'pâturer', look for surrounding words like 'moutons', 'vaches', 'pré', 'champ', 'colline'. These words will confirm that the context is about animals grazing.
Master the French 'R'
The 'r' sound in 'pâturer' is guttural, made in the back of the throat. Practice this sound to pronounce the word authentically. The final 'e' is silent.
'Pâturer' vs. 'Brouter'
While often interchangeable, 'pâturer' implies sustained grazing in a pasture, whereas 'brouter' can also mean nibbling leaves or branches. Use 'pâturer' for the classic image of a herd grazing.
Describe a Scene
Try writing a short paragraph describing a rural scene. Include animals and use 'pâturer' to describe their actions. This reinforces its usage.
Rural Imagery
Connect 'pâturer' to the romanticized image of the French countryside, with peaceful animals grazing. This association helps solidify its meaning and emotional resonance.
Avoid General Eating
Don't use 'pâturer' for animals eating provided food indoors. Reserve it for the specific act of grazing in an open environment.
Listen Actively
When watching French films or listening to French music about rural themes, actively listen for the verb 'pâturer' and note its context.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a big, fluffy sheep ('pâté' sounds a bit like 'pâté', a French food, but let's pretend it's a sheep!) wearing a tiny hat ('tu' sounds like 'tu' meaning 'you', but let's imagine the hat is tiny for the sheep). This sheep is happily 'pâturing' (grazing) in a huge green field. The 'pâté' sheep eats a lot of grass!
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a serene landscape: rolling green hills, a bright blue sky, and a herd of cows or sheep peacefully eating grass. Associate the sound 'pâturer' with this idyllic, pastoral image of animals contentedly grazing.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try describing a scene from a farm or a rural landscape using 'pâturer'. For example, imagine you are looking out of a window at a field. What are the animals doing? Where are they? Use 'pâturer' in your description.
Wortherkunft
The French verb 'pâturer' derives from the Old French word 'paistre', which itself comes from the Latin verb 'pascere'. 'Pascere' means 'to feed', 'to pasture', or 'to lead to pasture'. This Latin root is shared with many other Romance languages and even English words like 'pasture' and 'pastor'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To feed, to graze, to tend to livestock in a pasture.
Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> Romance -> Gallo-Romance -> Old French -> Modern FrenchKultureller Kontext
The verb 'pâturer' is neutral and describes a natural animal behavior. There are no significant sensitivities associated with its use.
In English-speaking countries, the concept of grazing is well-understood, with terms like 'pasture', 'graze', and 'meadow' being common. The French 'pâturer' directly corresponds to these concepts.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Farming and Animal Husbandry
- Les vaches <strong>pâturent</strong> dans le pré.
- Le fermier laisse ses brebis <strong>pâturer</strong>.
- Le cheval aime <strong>pâturer</strong> au soleil.
Rural Landscapes and Nature
- Nous avons vu des moutons <strong>pâturer</strong> sur la colline.
- Le paysage est beau quand les animaux <strong>pâturent</strong>.
- Les chèvres <strong>pâturent</strong> près du ruisseau.
Children's Education (Animals/Farm)
- Regarde, le petit agneau <strong>pâture</strong> !
- Les animaux <strong>pâturent</strong> dans la ferme.
- Les vaches <strong>pâturent</strong> pour manger de l'herbe.
Travel and Tourism (Countryside)
- C'est ici que les chevaux <strong>pâturent</strong>.
- On peut observer les animaux <strong>pâturer</strong> tranquillement.
- Le cadre est magnifique avec les moutons qui <strong>pâturent</strong>.
Ecology and Environment
- Le <strong>pâturage</strong> contrôlé aide à la biodiversité.
- Les herbivores <strong>pâturent</strong> et maintiennent l'écosystème.
- L'impact du <strong>pâturage</strong> sur les sols.
Gesprächseinstiege
"Avez-vous déjà vu des vaches pâturer dans un grand champ ?"
"Quel est votre animal de ferme préféré qui pâture ?"
"Imaginez un paysage parfait : quels animaux y pâturent ?"
"Si vous pouviez pâturer comme un animal, lequel choisiriez-vous et pourquoi ?"
"Qu'est-ce qui vous vient à l'esprit quand vous entendez le mot 'pâturer' ?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Décrivez une scène rurale où des animaux <strong>pâturent</strong>. Utilisez autant de détails sensoriels que possible.
Pensez à un moment où vous avez vu des animaux <strong>pâturer</strong>. Qu'est-ce que cela vous a fait ressentir ?
Écrivez une courte histoire sur un fermier qui s'occupe de ses bêtes pendant qu'elles <strong>pâturent</strong>.
Comparez l'acte de <strong>pâturer</strong> avec d'autres façons dont les animaux obtiennent leur nourriture. Quelles sont les différences ?
Imaginez que vous êtes un oiseau observant des animaux <strong>pâturer</strong> d'en haut. Décrivez ce que vous voyez.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 Fragen'Manger' is the general verb for 'to eat' and can be used for humans and animals, for any food, and in any location. 'Pâturer' is a specific verb used for animals eating grass or vegetation directly from the ground in a pasture or field. So, while cows 'manger' (eat), when they are in the field eating grass, they 'pâturent'.
No, 'pâturer' is exclusively used for animals grazing. Humans eat using the verb 'manger'. Using 'pâturer' for a human would be incorrect and nonsensical.
Common animals that 'pâturent' include cows (vaches), sheep (moutons), horses (chevaux), goats (chèvres), donkeys (ânes), and some wild herbivores like deer (cerfs) or wild horses.
Not always. While it's common to say 'pâturer dans le pré' (graze in the meadow), the location can sometimes be implied by context. For example, 'Les vaches aiment pâturer' implies they do so in their designated areas.
'Pâturer' and 'brouter' are very similar and often interchangeable for animals eating grass. 'Pâturer' generally implies sustained grazing in a pasture. 'Brouter' can sometimes suggest more of a nibbling action or eating leaves and branches, and can also be used for smaller animals like rabbits eating greens. The distinction is subtle.
The present tense conjugation of 'pâturer' is: je pâture, tu pâtures, il/elle/on pâture, nous pâturons, vous pâturez, ils/elles pâturent. It follows the regular pattern for -er verbs.
'Pâturage' is the noun form related to 'pâturer'. It refers to the pasture, the grazing land itself, or the act of grazing.
While technically possible in very poetic or figurative language (e.g., describing plants spreading widely), it's not common and can be confusing. For clarity, it's best to stick to the literal meaning of animals grazing.
The passé composé is formed with 'avoir': j'ai pâturé, tu as pâturé, il/elle/on a pâturé, nous avons pâturé, vous avez pâturé, ils/elles ont pâturé. The imparfait is: je pâturais, tu pâturais, il/elle/on pâturait, nous pâturions, vous pâturiez, ils/elles pâturaient.
Common collocations include 'pâturer dans le pré', 'pâturer sur la colline', 'pâturer paisiblement', 'laisser pâturer', and 'aimer pâturer'.
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Summary
The French verb 'pâturer' specifically describes animals grazing on grass or other vegetation directly from a pasture. It's commonly used in agricultural and rural contexts to depict the feeding behavior of livestock like cows, sheep, and horses.
- Pâturer: Animals eating grass in a pasture.
- Core meaning: Grazing; feeding on vegetation in situ.
- Context: Farms, countryside, animals, nature.
- Key use: Describing livestock behavior.
Specificity is Key
Remember that 'pâturer' is very specific. It's not just 'eating'; it's 'eating grass directly from the ground in a pasture'. Use it when this precise image is intended.
Link to 'Pasture'
The English word 'pasture' sounds very similar to the French 'pâturer'. Create a mental link: pasture = pâturer. This will help you recall the meaning and context.
Conjugation Practice
As a regular -er verb, 'pâturer' follows predictable conjugation patterns. Practice its present, imperfect, and passé composé forms to use it confidently in sentences.
Contextual Clues
When you encounter 'pâturer', look for surrounding words like 'moutons', 'vaches', 'pré', 'champ', 'colline'. These words will confirm that the context is about animals grazing.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr nature Wörter
à ciel ouvert
B1Open-air, under the open sky.
à fleur d'eau
B1Auf Wasserspiegelhöhe.
à l'abri de
B1Der Ausdruck 'à l'abri de' bedeutet, vor etwas Unangenehmem oder Schädlichem geschützt zu sein. Zum Beispiel kann man vor dem Regen unter einem Dach geschützt sein.
à l'approche de
B1Bei herannahendem; kurz vor; im Vorfeld von.
à l'aube
B1In der Morgendämmerung; zu Beginn des Tages.
à l'écart de
B1Abseits von etwas oder jemandem sein.
à l'état sauvage
B1In the wild; in an untamed state.
à l'extérieur de
A2Außerhalb von etwas gelegen.
à l'intérieur de
A2Inside of; within.
à pas lents
B1Mit langsamen Schritten; in einem gemächlichen Tempo.
