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das Futter

B1 noun #3,000 가장 일반적인 10분 분량

das Futter

상위 3,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 das Futter 30초 만에

설명 das Futter in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'das Futter' in the context of pets. You might learn it when talking about your family dog or cat. It is a simple noun that you use to describe what animals eat. You will likely see it in a pet shop or a zoo. At this stage, just remember that animals have 'Futter' and people have 'Essen'. You should be able to say simple sentences like 'Das ist Futter für die Katze' (That is food for the cat). Don't worry about the 'clothing lining' meaning yet; focus on the animals. You should also recognize the verb 'füttern' (to feed), as in 'Ich füttere den Hund' (I am feeding the dog).

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At the A2 level, you start to see 'das Futter' in more compound words. You will learn 'Hundefutter', 'Katzenfutter', and 'Vogelfutter'. You might also encounter it when reading simple stories about farms or nature. You should be comfortable using it in the accusative case ('Ich kaufe das Futter') and the dative case ('Er gibt dem Pferd Futter'). You begin to understand that 'Futter' is a general term for many types of animal food, like hay or seeds. You might also hear it used informally by friends talking about a big, messy meal, but you should still stick to 'Essen' in your own speech to be safe.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to know both main meanings of 'das Futter': animal feed and clothing lining. You should be able to describe a jacket by saying 'Das Futter ist aus Wolle' (The lining is made of wool). You also learn more technical terms like 'Futtermittel' (feedstuffs) in the context of environment or agriculture. You understand the difference between 'fressen' (animals eating) and 'essen' (humans eating) and how 'Futter' relates to 'fressen'. You can use the word in more complex sentences with prepositions, such as 'Die Suche nach Futter ist im Winter schwierig' (The search for food is difficult in winter).

At the B2 level, you encounter 'das Futter' in idiomatic expressions and more abstract contexts. You should know 'Kanonenfutter' (cannon fodder) and understand its metaphorical meaning in history or politics. You might hear 'Futter für die Seele' (food for the soul) in a conversation about hobbies or art. You are also expected to understand the word in professional contexts, such as the textile industry or large-scale farming. You can discuss the nuances between 'Futter', 'Nahrung', and 'Kost'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'gefüttert' as an adjective for both a 'lined jacket' and an 'animal that has been fed'.

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At the C1 level, you use 'das Futter' with stylistic precision. You understand its use in media criticism ('Futter für die Klatschpresse' - fodder for the gossip press) and can use it ironically or sarcastically. You are aware of the mechanical meaning of 'Futter' (a chuck in a lathe or drill) if you work in a technical field. You can write essays about agricultural policy using terms like 'Futtermittelimport' (import of feed). You understand the etymological roots and how they connect to other Germanic languages. You can distinguish between 'Futterneid' (jealousy over food/resources) and general envy.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of all nuances. You can appreciate the word's use in high literature or philosophy, where 'Futter' might be used to describe the raw material for thought or creation. You understand regional variations and archaic uses. You can switch between the literal, metaphorical, and technical meanings effortlessly. You might use the word in a sophisticated joke or a complex pun. You are fully aware of the social implications of using 'Futter' for humans and use it only when you intend a specific stylistic effect. You can analyze the role of 'Futtermittel' in global sustainability debates with ease.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

das Futter 30초 만에

Das Futter means animal food (like dog food or hay) and is never used for human meals in polite conversation.
It also refers to the lining of garments, such as the silky inner fabric of a jacket or trousers.
The word is neuter (das) and is closely related to the verb 'füttern' (to feed).
In slang or metaphors, it can mean 'fodder'—material used to fuel a process, like 'Kanonenfutter' (cannon fodder).

The German noun das Futter primarily refers to food intended for animals, ranging from domestic pets like dogs and cats to livestock such as cows, horses, and pigs. While humans consume Essen or Nahrung, the term Futter is strictly reserved for the animal kingdom in a literal sense. Using this word to describe human food is typically considered derogatory or extremely informal, implying that the food is of low quality or that the person is eating like an animal. However, the word has a fascinating secondary meaning in the world of textiles: it refers to the lining of a garment, such as the silky inner layer of a suit jacket or the warm fleece inside a winter coat. Understanding this duality is crucial for B1 learners who are moving beyond basic vocabulary into more nuanced territory.

Agricultural Context: In farming, 'Futter' encompasses hay, grain, silage, and any other biomass used to sustain livestock. Farmers spend significant time calculating 'Futterrationen' (feed rations) to ensure animal health and productivity.
Domestic Use: Pet owners use the word daily. Whether it is 'Trockenfutter' (dry food) or 'Nassfutter' (wet food), the term is the standard way to discuss what your furry friends are eating.
Textile Meaning: When talking about a 'Mantelfutter' (coat lining), you are describing the inner fabric that provides comfort or insulation. This is a common term in tailoring and shopping for high-quality clothing.

Hast du schon das Futter für den Hund gekauft?

Translation: Have you already bought the food for the dog?

Beyond these literal uses, Futter appears in metaphorical expressions. For example, 'Stoff für Träume' (stuff for dreams) can sometimes be replaced by 'Futter für die Seele' (food for the soul), indicating something that provides spiritual or emotional nourishment. In the digital age, we also hear 'Datenfutter' (data feed), referring to the massive amounts of information fed into algorithms or AI models. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in both rural and urban German environments. When you visit a German supermarket, you will find an entire aisle dedicated to 'Tierfutter', which is a great place to see the word in action alongside specific animal names like 'Katzenfutter' or 'Vogelfutter'.

Das Futter meiner Jacke ist zerrissen.

Translation: The lining of my jacket is torn.

In a historical context, the word is linked to the verb 'füttern' (to feed). In medieval times, providing 'Futter' for a guest's horse was as important as providing a meal for the guest themselves. This hospitality tradition underscores how central the concept of animal sustenance was to society. Today, even in a post-agrarian world, the word remains indispensable. Whether you are discussing the cost of living (which includes pet supplies) or the quality of a new winter parka, 'das Futter' will inevitably come up in conversation. It is a word that bridges the gap between nature, industry, and daily domestic life.

Using das Futter correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical gender (neuter) and its specific semantic constraints. In most cases, it functions as a mass noun when referring to generic animal feed, but it can take specific prefixes to denote the type of animal or the consistency of the food. For instance, 'Hundefutter' (dog food) and 'Vogelfutter' (bird seed) are standard compounds. When using the word in a sentence, pay close attention to the verb it pairs with. Common verbs include kaufen (to buy), geben (to give), fressen (to eat, used for animals), and vorbereiten (to prepare).

Dative Case Usage: When giving food to an animal: 'Ich gebe dem Pferd das Futter.' (I give the food to the horse.) Here, the horse is the indirect object (dative).
Genitive Case Usage: Discussing the quality: 'Die Qualität des Futters ist entscheidend.' (The quality of the feed is crucial.)

Die Vögel suchen im Winter nach Futter.

When referring to the lining of clothes, the sentence structure remains the same, but the context changes entirely. You might say, 'Diese Jacke hat ein warmes Futter aus Daunen' (This jacket has a warm down lining). In this context, 'Futter' is often modified by adjectives like seidig (silky), dick (thick), or herausnehmbar (removable). This versatility allows you to use the same word in a pet shop and a high-end fashion boutique, though the mental image it evokes will be vastly different.

Das Futter der Hose kratzt auf der Haut.

Translation: The lining of the pants scratches the skin.

Advanced learners should also be aware of the verb füttern, which is the action of providing the Futter. Interestingly, you can 'füttern' an animal, but you can also 'füttern' a machine with data or 'füttern' a child (though 'füttern' for babies is common, 'essen' is preferred as they grow). The noun 'Futter' remains the substance itself. In compound words, it often loses its 'das' and becomes a prefix or suffix, like 'Futtertrog' (feeding trough) or 'Kraftfutter' (concentrated feed). This structural flexibility is a hallmark of German noun usage.

Ohne das richtige Futter werden die Kühe nicht genug Milch geben.

You will encounter das Futter in a variety of real-world settings in Germany. If you live in a rural area or visit the German countryside (the Land), you will see signs for 'Futtermittelhandel' (animal feed trade) or see large silos filled with 'Futtermais' (fodder corn). Farmers talk about the 'Futterernte' (feed harvest) with great concern, especially during dry summers when grass for hay is scarce. In these contexts, 'Futter' is a matter of economic survival.

In the City: In urban centers, you'll hear it at 'Tierhandlung' (pet shops) like Fressnapf or Das Futterhaus. Pet owners discuss 'Spezialfutter' for allergies or 'Bio-Futter' for sustainable living.
In the Media: News reports on agriculture often use 'Futtermittel' to discuss global trade or price spikes in grain. Documentaries about wildlife use it to describe the 'Futtersuche' (search for food) of animals in the wild.

Der Zoo bittet die Besucher, kein eigenes Futter mitzubringen.

Translation: The zoo asks visitors not to bring their own food (for the animals).

Another common place to hear the word is in a 'Schneiderei' (tailor shop) or a clothing store. A salesperson might highlight that a coat has a 'hochwertiges Seidenfutter' (high-quality silk lining). If you are complaining about a cheap jacket, you might say, 'Das Futter ist schon kaputt' (The lining is already broken). This usage is very common in the fashion industry and among people who value well-made clothing. It's a subtle but important distinction that shows a learner's range.

Das ist doch nur Futter für die Presse!

Translation: That's just fodder for the press!

Lastly, in political or social discussions, you might hear 'Kanonenfutter' (cannon fodder). This grim term refers to soldiers who are considered expendable in war. While dark, it is a standard part of historical and political discourse in German. Similarly, 'Diskussionsfutter' (fodder for discussion) refers to topics or facts that provide material for a debate. These idiomatic uses show how the concept of 'feeding' something extends into the intellectual and social realms of German life.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is using das Futter when they mean das Essen. In English, we sometimes use 'feed' or 'grub' colloquially for human food, but in German, calling human food Futter is much more pointed. If you are at a restaurant and ask for 'Futter', the waiter might think you are being incredibly rude or that you are making a joke about the portion size being fit for a horse. Unless you are among very close friends who use 'slang', stick to Essen or Speise for humans.

The Eating Verb Confusion: Animals 'fressen' their 'Futter'. Humans 'essen' their 'Essen'. Confusing these verbs and nouns creates a 'category error' that sounds very strange to native ears.
Gender Errors: Learners often mistake the gender, saying 'der Futter' or 'die Futter'. It is strictly neuter: das Futter. This is important for correct adjective endings, like 'gutes Futter'.

Falsch: Ich habe Hunger, gib mir Futter!

Correct this to: 'Gib mir etwas zu essen!' unless you are joking.

Another mistake involves the 'lining' meaning. English speakers might try to use the word Linie (line) or Inhalt (content) when talking about the inside of a coat. Remember that Futter is the specific technical term for garment lining. Using 'Inhalt' would imply the coat contains something (like a person or a wallet), not that the fabric itself has a layer. Conversely, don't use 'Futter' to mean the 'lining' of a silver cloud or the 'lining' of a stomach in a medical sense; those use different terms like Rand or Schleimhaut.

Richtig: Das Futter dieser Jacke ist aus Seide.

Finally, watch out for the plural. As mentioned, 'die Futter' is almost never used. If you are talking about different types of food for different animals, it's better to say 'verschiedene Futtermittel' or 'verschiedene Sorten Futter'. Using the plural 'Futter' sounds like you are talking about technical mechanical parts (like a 'Spannfutter' or chuck in a drill), which is a very niche engineering meaning of the word that most learners will not need.

To truly master German, you need to know when to use das Futter and when to reach for a synonym or a related term. The most common alternative is die Nahrung. While Futter is specific to animals, Nahrung is a broad, scientific term for 'sustenance' or 'nourishment' that can apply to humans, animals, and even plants. If you want to sound more formal or biological, use Nahrung. For example, 'Die Nahrung der Wale' (The diet/nourishment of whales) sounds more academic than 'Das Futter der Wale'.

Futter vs. Essen: Essen is for people (polite, standard). Futter is for animals (standard) or people (derogatory/slang).
Futter vs. Verpflegung: Verpflegung refers to 'catering' or 'provisions' provided for people, often in a professional or military context (e.g., 'Vollverpflegung' at a hotel).
Futter vs. Kost: Kost is a more elevated word for 'diet' or 'fare' (e.g., 'leichte Kost' - light fare).

Wir brauchen mehr Futtermittel für die Landwirtschaft.

Note: 'Futtermittel' is the technical/industrial term for animal feed.

In the context of clothing, you might compare Futter with die Wattierung (padding/quilting). While Futter is the inner layer of fabric, Wattierung is the stuffing inside that provides warmth. If a jacket is 'gefüttert' (lined), it has that inner layer. If it is 'wattiert', it is puffy. Another related term is der Bezug (cover), which is the opposite—the outer layer, like a pillowcase or a sofa cover. Distinguishing between these textile terms will help you significantly when shopping in Germany.

Das Winterfutter hält die Vögel am Leben.

Finally, consider der Proviant. This refers specifically to food you take with you on a journey (snacks, sandwiches). While you wouldn't call a dog's food 'Proviant' usually, if you are going on a long hike with your dog, you might jokingly say you've packed 'Hundeproviant'. Understanding these nuances allows you to play with the language and express yourself with the precision of a native speaker, moving beyond the basic 'das Futter' while still respecting its core meaning.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The English word 'food' and 'fodder' are both distant cousins of 'Futter'. The meaning 'clothing lining' developed because the inner fabric was seen as 'feeding' or filling out the garment.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈfʊtə/

US /ˈfʊtər/

The stress is on the first syllable: FUT-ter.

라임이 맞는 단어

Mutter (mother) Butter (butter) Kutter (cutter/boat) Luther (the name) Putter (golf club) Futter (itself) Gutter (rare in German) Schutter (rare)

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'u' like in 'computer' (too long). It must be short.
Over-pronouncing the 'tt' as a hard English 't'. In German, it just indicates the preceding vowel is short.
Pronouncing the final 'er' as a hard 'r' instead of the soft 'ah' sound (vocalic r).
Confusing it with 'Vater' (father), which has a long 'a' sound.
Confusing it with 'Futter' in English (which doesn't exist as a common noun with this meaning).

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, but watch for the two different meanings.

쓰기 3/5

Simple to spell, but requires care with gender and case.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but avoid using it for humans.

듣기 2/5

Clear sound, usually easy to distinguish from similar words.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

das Tier essen die Kleidung kaufen geben

다음에 배울 것

füttern fressen die Nahrung das Gewebe die Landwirtschaft

고급

das Spannfutter die Futtermittelverordnung die Pelzfütterung der Futterneid

알아야 할 문법

Nouns ending in -er are often masculine, but 'das Futter' is a notable neuter exception.

Das Futter (neuter) vs. Der Vater (masculine).

Compound nouns take the gender of the last word.

Die Katze + das Futter = das Katzenfutter.

The verb 'fressen' is used exclusively for animals eating their 'Futter'.

Der Hund frisst sein Futter.

The preposition 'mit' always takes the dative case.

Die Jacke mit dem warmen Futter.

Genitive 's' is added to most neuter nouns in the singular genitive.

Die Kosten des Futters.

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수준별 예문

Das Futter für den Hund ist hier.

The food for the dog is here.

Neuter noun, nominative case.

Hast du Futter für die Katze?

Do you have food for the cat?

Direct object, accusative case.

Die Vögel brauchen Futter.

The birds need food.

Plural subject, but 'Futter' is singular mass noun.

Das Pferd frisst sein Futter.

The horse eats its food.

Note the verb 'fressen' used for animals.

Wo ist das Katzenfutter?

Where is the cat food?

Compound noun: Katze + Futter.

Das Futter ist teuer.

The food is expensive.

Subject with predicate adjective.

Ich kaufe heute Futter.

I am buying food today.

Accusative object.

Das ist gutes Futter.

That is good food.

Adjective 'gut' takes the -es ending for neuter nominative.

Wir geben den Enten kein Futter.

We don't give the ducks any food.

Indirect object (den Enten) and direct object (Futter).

Mein Hund mag dieses Futter nicht.

My dog doesn't like this food.

Demonstrative pronoun 'dieses' matches neuter 'Futter'.

Das Vogelfutter liegt auf dem Boden.

The bird seed is lying on the ground.

Preposition 'auf' with dative for location.

Kaufst du bitte Trockenfutter?

Will you please buy dry food?

Compound: trocken (dry) + Futter.

Die Kühe warten auf ihr Futter.

The cows are waiting for their food.

Preposition 'auf' with accusative (warten auf).

Das Futter im Zoo ist gesund.

The food in the zoo is healthy.

Prepositional phrase modifying the noun.

Wir brauchen viel Futter für den Winter.

We need a lot of feed for the winter.

Quantity 'viel' used with mass noun.

Welches Futter ist das Beste?

Which food is the best?

Interrogative pronoun 'welches' for neuter.

Das Futter meiner neuen Jacke ist sehr weich.

The lining of my new jacket is very soft.

Secondary meaning: clothing lining. Genitive case 'meiner neuen Jacke'.

Wegen der Dürre gibt es nicht genug Futter für die Tiere.

Because of the drought, there isn't enough feed for the animals.

Preposition 'wegen' with genitive.

Ich muss das Futter der Hose reparieren lassen.

I have to have the lining of the pants repaired.

Causative construction 'lassen' + infinitive.

Das Futter enthält viele Vitamine.

The feed contains many vitamins.

Verb 'enthalten' (to contain).

Gefrorenes Futter muss man erst auftauen.

Frozen food must first be thawed.

Adjectival noun 'Gefrorenes' modifying Futter.

Der Mantel hat ein herausnehmbares Futter.

The coat has a removable lining.

Accusative object with adjective ending.

Die Qualität des Futters hat sich verbessert.

The quality of the feed has improved.

Genitive case 'des Futters'.

Er mischt das Futter selbst zusammen.

He mixes the feed together himself.

Separable verb 'zusammenmischen'.

Soldaten wurden im Krieg oft als Kanonenfutter missbraucht.

Soldiers were often misused as cannon fodder in the war.

Idiomatic compound 'Kanonenfutter'.

Dieses Buch ist echtes Futter für den Geist.

This book is real food for the mind.

Metaphorical usage.

Die Jacke ist mit einem warmen Futter ausgestattet.

The jacket is equipped with a warm lining.

Passive construction with 'ausgestattet sein'.

Die steigenden Preise für Futtermittel belasten die Bauern.

Rising prices for feedstuffs are a burden on farmers.

Technical term 'Futtermittel'.

Das Futter seidig glänzend zu machen, ist schwer.

Making the lining silky and shiny is difficult.

Infinitive clause as subject.

Man sollte das Futter kühl und trocken lagern.

One should store the feed in a cool and dry place.

Modal verb 'sollte' with infinitive.

Gibt es Futterneid unter euren Hunden?

Is there food envy among your dogs?

Compound 'Futterneid' (food envy).

Das Futter wurde auf Schadstoffe getestet.

The feed was tested for harmful substances.

Passive voice, past tense.

Der Skandal lieferte der Presse neues Futter.

The scandal provided the press with new fodder.

Metaphorical use for information/scandal.

Die Nachhaltigkeit von Futtermittelimporten wird stark debattiert.

The sustainability of feed imports is being heavily debated.

Complex noun phrase with genitive.

Das Futter des Sakkos ist farblich perfekt abgestimmt.

The lining of the blazer is perfectly color-coordinated.

Adverbial phrase 'farblich perfekt abgestimmt'.

Ohne Datenfutter kann die KI nicht lernen.

Without data feed, the AI cannot learn.

Modern metaphorical compound 'Datenfutter'.

Er hat das Futter des Mantels eigenhändig eingenäht.

He sewed the lining of the coat in by hand.

Adverb 'eigenhändig'.

Die Zusammensetzung des Futters ist streng reguliert.

The composition of the feed is strictly regulated.

Genitive case with passive voice.

Das ist doch nur Futter für seine Vorurteile.

That's just fodder for his prejudices.

Metaphorical use for abstract concepts.

Wir müssen die Futterverwertung der Tiere optimieren.

We must optimize the feed conversion of the animals.

Technical compound 'Futterverwertung'.

Die semantische Breite von 'Futter' reicht vom Trog bis zum Schneideratelier.

The semantic range of 'Futter' extends from the trough to the tailor's studio.

Sophisticated academic sentence.

In der Postmoderne wird alles zum Futter für die Unterhaltungsindustrie.

In postmodernity, everything becomes fodder for the entertainment industry.

Philosophical usage.

Die feine Seide des Futters schmeichelte der Haut.

The fine silk of the lining felt pleasant against the skin.

Literary style, verb 'schmeicheln' with dative.

Man darf den Populisten kein Futter für ihre Hetze geben.

One must not give populists any fodder for their agitation.

Political discourse.

Das Futter ist das unsichtbare Rückgrat eines jeden Maßanzugs.

The lining is the invisible backbone of every bespoke suit.

Metaphorical description in a specialized field.

Die Debatte um gentechnisch verändertes Futter reißt nicht ab.

The debate over genetically modified feed does not cease.

Idiomatic expression 'reißt nicht ab'.

Er fraß das Wissen gierig in sich hinein, als wäre es Futter für ein verhungertes Ego.

He greedily devoured the knowledge as if it were food for a starved ego.

Subjunctive II 'als wäre es' for comparison.

Die Qualität des Futters determiniert die Exzellenz des Endprodukts.

The quality of the feed determines the excellence of the final product.

Academic/Latinate vocabulary ('determiniert', 'Exzellenz').

자주 쓰는 조합

Futter geben

hochwertiges Futter

das Futter wechseln

seidiges Futter

warmes Futter

Futter suchen

Futter für die Presse

Futter rationieren

ein zerrissenes Futter

Futter mischen

자주 쓰는 구문

Ab ins Futter!

— Informal way to say 'Let's eat!' or 'Get to the food!' Used mostly among close friends.

Das Essen ist fertig, ab ins Futter!

Futter bei die Fische

— Actually 'Butter bei die Fische', but sometimes confused. It means 'Let's get to the point'.

Komm schon, Butter bei die Fische, was ist passiert?

das ist Futter für...

— Something that fuels or supports a specific thing (like rumors).

Das neue Foto ist Futter für die Gerüchteküche.

sich unters Futter mischen

— To hide something among other things, or to sneak something in.

Er hat die bittere Pille unters Futter gemischt.

jemanden mit Futter versorgen

— To provide someone (usually an animal) with food.

Wir versorgen die Streuner mit Futter.

das Futterhaus

— A common name for a pet store or a bird feeding station.

Ich gehe kurz zum Futterhaus, um Vogelsamen zu kaufen.

Futter für die Seele

— Something that makes you feel good emotionally or spiritually.

Musik ist echtes Futter für die Seele.

Dickes Futter

— Refers to a thick lining in winter clothes.

Diese Jacke braucht ein dickes Futter für Sibirien.

Futter für den Papierkorb

— Something that is useless and can be thrown away immediately.

Dieser Entwurf ist Futter für den Papierkorb.

Futter für die Augen

— Visual delight or something very beautiful to look at.

Die Landschaft hier ist Futter für die Augen.

자주 혼동되는 단어

das Futter vs das Essen

Essen is for humans; Futter is for animals.

das Futter vs die Nahrung

Nahrung is a general term for nourishment (biological); Futter is specifically feed.

das Futter vs die Fütterung

Fütterung is the act of feeding; Futter is the food itself.

관용어 및 표현

"Kanonenfutter sein"

— To be cannon fodder; to be used as expendable resources in a conflict.

Die jungen Rekruten wurden als Kanonenfutter an die Front geschickt.

historical/political

"Ein gefundenes Fressen sein"

— To be just what someone was looking for (usually in a negative or opportunistic sense).

Der Fehler des Politikers war ein gefundenes Fressen für die Opposition.

informal

"Futterneid haben"

— To be jealous of what others have, like animals fighting over food.

In dieser Firma herrscht extremer Futterneid unter den Kollegen.

informal/psychological

"Sich das Futter verdienen"

— To earn one's keep or earn enough to survive.

Er muss hart arbeiten, um sich sein Futter zu verdienen.

informal

"Etwas unters Futter nähen"

— To hide something inside the lining (literally or figuratively).

Sie hat das Geld unters Futter ihres Mantels genäht.

neutral

"Futter für die Klatschpresse"

— Material for gossip magazines.

Die Trennung der Stars war ideales Futter für die Klatschpresse.

journalistic

"Voll im Futter stehen"

— To be well-fed or even a bit overweight (originally for horses).

Dein Hund steht aber gut im Futter!

informal

"Futter für die Tonne"

— Complete rubbish; something only fit for the trash can.

Deine Hausarbeit ist leider Futter für die Tonne.

slang

"Das ist Futter für mein Ego"

— Something that boosts one's self-esteem.

Das viele Lob war Futter für sein Ego.

informal

"Kein Futter mehr haben"

— To run out of resources or energy.

Nach zehn Kilometern hatte der Läufer kein Futter mehr.

slang

혼동하기 쉬운

das Futter vs das Futtermittel

Sounds almost the same.

Futtermittel is the collective, technical term for types of feed used in industry.

Der LKW transportiert Futtermittel.

das Futter vs der Flutter

Similar sound to English speakers.

Flutter is not a common German word; it might be confused with 'Flattern' (fluttering).

Die Flügel flattern (not fluttern).

das Futter vs das Futteral

Contains the word 'Futter'.

A 'Futteral' is a case or sheath (like for glasses or a sword).

Die Brille liegt im Futteral.

das Futter vs fett

Similar start.

Fett means 'fat'.

Das Futter ist sehr fettig.

das Futter vs der Fötus

Phonetic similarity for some.

Fötus means fetus.

Der Fötus entwickelt sich.

문장 패턴

Das ist [Adjektiv] Futter.

Das ist gutes Futter.

Ich gebe [Dativ-Tier] das Futter.

Ich gebe der Katze das Futter.

Die Jacke hat ein [Adjektiv] Futter.

Die Jacke hat ein blaues Futter.

Wegen [Genitiv] brauchen wir mehr Futter.

Wegen des Winters brauchen wir mehr Futter.

Das dient als Futter für [Abstraktes Nomen].

Das dient als Futter für seine Fantasie.

Die Qualität des Futters ist ausschlaggebend für [Nomen].

Die Qualität des Futters ist ausschlaggebend für das Tierwohl.

Das Futter besteht aus [Material].

Das Futter besteht aus Viskose.

Wo kann man [Tier]futter kaufen?

Wo kann man Vogelfutter kaufen?

어휘 가족

명사

die Fütterung (the feeding)

das Futtermittel (the feedstuff)

der Futternapf (the food bowl)

der Futtertrog (the feeding trough)

der Futterneid (food envy)

동사

füttern (to feed)

auffüttern (to feed up/fatten)

durchfüttern (to feed through/sustain)

füttern (to line a garment)

형용사

gefüttert (lined/fed)

futterneidisch (jealous of food)

futterreich (rich in feed)

사용법

frequency

Very common in domestic and agricultural contexts; common in fashion.

자주 하는 실수

Asking 'Wo ist mein Futter?' at a restaurant. → Wo ist mein Essen?
Using 'Futter' for yourself makes you sound like an animal or extremely rude to the staff.
Saying 'Der Futter ist gut.' → Das Futter ist gut.
Futter is neuter, not masculine.
Using 'Futter' for a line on a paper. → Die Linie.
'Futter' means lining (fabric), not a line (geometry/writing).
Mixing up 'fressen' and 'essen' with Futter. → Tiere fressen Futter.
Always pair the animal-specific verb with the animal-specific noun.
Using 'die Futter' for multiple bags of food. → Die Säcke Futter / Viel Futter.
'Futter' is usually used in the singular as a mass noun.

팁

Neuter Gender

Always remember it's 'das'. This is key for adjective endings like 'gutes Futter' or 'dein Futter'.

Animal Focus

Keep 'Futter' for animals. If you use it for people, make sure you are doing it for a specific stylistic reason.

Lining Check

When buying a coat in Germany, look at the tag for 'Futter' to see what the inside is made of.

Fodder for Thought

Use 'Futter für...' to describe things that fuel ideas or rumors. It makes your German sound more natural.

Pair with Füttern

The verb 'füttern' (to feed) is the natural partner to 'Futter'. Practice them together.

Compound Power

German loves compounds. Combine animal names with 'futter' (e.g., Pferdefutter, Katzenfutter).

Be Careful with Slang

Only use 'Futter' for human food if you are with very close friends and the atmosphere is relaxed.

Short Vowel

The 'u' in Futter is short. Don't stretch it out or it will sound like a different word.

Supermarket Aisle

Look for the 'Tierfutter' sign in German supermarkets to find pet supplies.

Mental Fodder

'Stoff' and 'Futter' are often interchangeable when talking about 'material' for something abstract.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Fodder' for 'Futter'. Both start with F and refer to animal food. For the lining meaning, imagine you are 'feeding' the inside of your coat with extra fabric.

시각적 연상

Imagine a dog (Futter for animals) wearing a fancy silk-lined jacket (Futter for clothes) while eating from a bowl.

Word Web

Hund Katze Pferd Heu Jacke Mantel Seide füttern

챌린지

Go to a pet supply website (like fressnapf.de) and try to find five different types of 'Futter'. Then, look at a clothing website and see if they mention 'Futter' in the product descriptions.

어원

From Middle High German 'voter', from Old High German 'fuotar'. It shares the same Proto-Germanic root *fōdrą as the English word 'fodder'.

원래 의미: Originally referred specifically to nourishment or food, especially for livestock.

Germanic

문화적 맥락

Never use 'Futter' to describe food served to guests. It is highly offensive as it implies they are animals.

English speakers often use 'feed' as a verb but 'food' as a noun for both animals and humans. German is much stricter about using 'Futter' only for animals.

The brand 'Das Futterhaus' is one of Germany's largest pet store chains. In Bertolt Brecht's works, 'fressen' and 'Futter' are often used to highlight class struggles. The term 'Kanonenfutter' appears in many German WWI and WWII memoirs.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

At the Pet Store

Wo finde ich Hundefutter?
Ist dieses Futter getreidefrei?
Ich brauche Futter für Wellensittiche.
Haben Sie auch Bio-Futter?

At the Tailor / Clothing Store

Das Futter ist kaputt.
Hat der Mantel ein warmes Futter?
Kann man das Futter austauschen?
Ich mag das Muster des Futters.

On a Farm

Das Futter reicht noch für einen Monat.
Wir müssen Futter bestellen.
Die Qualität des Futters ist gut.
Das Futter wird im Silo gelagert.

In Nature / Bird Watching

Wir hängen im Winter Futter auf.
Die Vögel suchen am Boden nach Futter.
Welches Futter fressen Meisen?
Das Futter ist nass geworden.

Informal / Slang

Gibt's hier bald mal Futter?
Das war ein gefundenes Fressen.
Er hat Futterneid.
Die Presse braucht wieder Futter.

대화 시작하기

"Welches Futter kaufst du normalerweise für deinen Hund?"

"Glaubst du, dass Bio-Futter für Tiere wirklich besser ist?"

"Hast du schon mal das Futter einer Jacke selbst repariert?"

"Was ist deiner Meinung nach das beste Futter für Vögel im Winter?"

"Findest du es unhöflich, wenn man das Wort 'Futter' für menschliches Essen benutzt?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe, was dein Haustier am liebsten frisst und warum du dieses Futter gewählt hast.

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Bauer. Schreibe einen Tagebucheintrag über die Schwierigkeiten bei der Futterernte.

Hast du ein Kleidungsstück mit einem besonders schönen Futter? Beschreibe es im Detail.

Reflektiere über den Begriff 'Kanonenfutter'. Was sagt dieser Begriff über den Wert des menschlichen Lebens im Krieg aus?

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du 'Futterneid' empfunden hast (vielleicht im Spaß).

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

No, that would be considered quite rude or weird. Use 'Babynahrung' or simply 'Essen'. Using 'füttern' as a verb for babies is okay, but the noun should be 'Nahrung'.

Yes, it is always 'das Futter'. Even when used for clothing lining or animal feed, the gender does not change.

'Futter' is the everyday word. 'Tiernahrung' is more formal and is often seen on product labels or in advertisements.

Usually, for a box, you would use 'Auskleidung' or 'Polsterung'. 'Futter' is almost exclusively for garments.

Literally, it means 'cannon food'. It refers to soldiers who are 'fed' to the cannons during a war.

The most common way is 'Hundefutter'. It is a compound of 'Hund' and 'Futter'.

The plural is 'die Futter', but it is very rare. Usually, you use the singular as a mass noun.

Yes, 'Fischfutter' is the standard term.

In clothing, it's a warm lining. In nature, it can refer to the food birds need to survive the winter.

Yes, a 'Spannfutter' is a chuck (a device used to hold a drill bit or a piece of wood in a lathe).

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