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A1 noun #4,500 가장 일반적인 17분 분량

Schaf

상위 4,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 Schaf 30초 만에

설명 Schaf in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'das Schaf' is taught as a basic vocabulary word for animals. Students learn that it is a neuter noun and that its plural is 'die Schafe'. The focus is on simple identification: 'Das ist ein Schaf' (That is a sheep). Learners are introduced to the animal's characteristics in simple terms—it is white, it is soft, it lives on a farm (Bauernhof), and it eats grass. Phrases like 'Das Schaf ist süß' (The sheep is cute) or 'Ich sehe ein Schaf' (I see a sheep) are typical. Phonetically, it's a good word for practicing the 'sch' sound and the long 'a'. Students also learn the basic sound a sheep makes in German: 'mäh'. At this stage, the word is strictly literal. There is no expectation to understand complex idioms or agricultural nuances. The goal is simply to be able to name the animal in a picture or during a visit to a zoo. Exercises often involve matching the word to an image or practicing the plural form, which is a key grammatical milestone for A1 students. Understanding that 'ein Schaf' remains 'ein Schaf' in the accusative (neuter rule) is also a primary learning objective.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'Schaf' into more descriptive and action-oriented sentences. They start using adjectives with the word, requiring them to apply adjective ending rules: 'Das weiße Schaf läuft auf der Wiese' or 'Ich füttere das kleine Schaf'. The context shifts slightly toward daily life and products. Students learn that 'Schafwolle' (sheep wool) comes from sheep and is used for clothes, and they might encounter 'Schafskäse' in the context of food and shopping. The plural dative 'den Schafen' is introduced, as in 'Ich gebe den Schafen Wasser'. Learners also begin to see the word in compound nouns, which are a hallmark of German at this level. They might learn about the 'Schäfer' (shepherd) and the 'Schafherde' (flock of sheep). The focus is on building functional sentences that describe a scene or a process. Simple idioms like 'Schafe zählen' (counting sheep) might be introduced as part of a lesson on daily routines or sleep. The distinction between 'Schaf' and 'Lamm' (lamb) becomes relevant, especially in culinary contexts where 'Lammfleisch' is a common vocabulary item for dining out.

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At the B1 level, the word 'Schaf' starts to appear in more metaphorical and cultural contexts. Students are expected to understand and use common idioms like 'das schwarze Schaf' (the black sheep) to describe social outsiders. They also learn 'ein Wolf im Schafspelz' (a wolf in sheep's clothing). The grammatical complexity increases, with 'Schaf' appearing in passive sentences: 'Die Schafe werden zweimal im Jahr geschoren' (The sheep are sheared twice a year). Discussions might touch on the environment, where sheep are mentioned as 'Landschaftspfleger' (landscape maintainers). Learners should be able to follow a short text or audio about sheep farming or the history of wool production. They also learn to distinguish between technical terms like 'Widder' (ram) and 'Aue' (ewe) if the context requires it. The genitive case is used more frequently: 'Die Wolle des Schafes ist sehr dick'. At B1, the learner moves from just describing an animal to discussing its role in society, economy, and language. They can explain why someone might be called a 'Schaf' and understand the nuances of the diminutive 'Schäfchen' in various contexts, such as 'Schäfchenwolken' (altocumulus clouds).

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At the B2 level, 'Schaf' is used in discussions about more abstract topics like ecology, sustainable farming, and social psychology. A B2 learner might read an article about the 'Wanderschäferei' (migratory sheep farming) and its importance for biodiversity in Germany. They can discuss the pros and cons of sheep farming compared to intensive livestock farming. Linguistically, they master complex compound words and their specific meanings, such as 'Schafzucht' (sheep breeding) or 'Schafschur' (sheep shearing). The word 'Herdenverhalten' (herd behavior) is used to analyze human social dynamics in political or psychological texts. Idioms like 'seine Schäfchen ins Trockene bringen' (to feather one's nest/secure one's profits) are understood and used correctly in context. The learner is also aware of the phonetic nuances, never confusing 'Schaf' with 'scharf'. They can participate in a debate about the return of the wolf to Germany and the impact on 'Schafhalter' (sheep owners). At this level, the word is a gateway to discussing complex interactions between humans, animals, and the environment, using a wide range of vocabulary and sophisticated grammatical structures.

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At the C1 level, the word 'Schaf' is examined through a literary and historical lens. Learners explore the use of sheep in German literature, from the fables of Lessing to the poetry of Rilke or the stories of the Brothers Grimm. They analyze the sheep as a symbol of sacrifice, innocence, or religious devotion. The term 'Opferlamm' (sacrificial lamb) is discussed in the context of political strategy or tragedy. C1 students can understand nuanced academic texts about the domestication of the 'Hausschaf' and its impact on Neolithic societies in Europe. They are familiar with archaic or specialized terms like 'Hammel' and can explain the etymological roots of the word. Discussions might involve the 'Schafkopf' card game as a cultural phenomenon in Bavaria, including its specific jargon. The learner can use 'Schaf' in highly sophisticated metaphors, perhaps in a speech or an essay about social conformity. They are also sensitive to the register, knowing when to use 'Schaf' and when a more scientific or formal term is appropriate. Their understanding of the word is deep, encompassing its biological, economic, cultural, and linguistic layers.

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At the C2 level, the mastery of 'Schaf' is near-native. The learner can appreciate the finest nuances in puns, wordplay, and obscure dialectal variations (like 'Schöps' in some regions). They can read and analyze dense philosophical or theological texts where the 'Agnus Dei' (Lamm Gottes) is a central theme, discussing its linguistic evolution from Latin to German. They might study the history of the German wool trade in the Middle Ages and its impact on the development of cities. The C2 learner can use the word 'Schaf' and its derivatives with absolute precision in any context, from a scientific paper on ruminant digestion to a satirical poem about 'Mitläufertum'. They understand the subtle irony when a politician is called a 'Schäfer' of his people. No idiomatic expression is too obscure; they know the history behind phrases like 'die Hammelbeine langziehen'. At this peak level, 'Schaf' is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool for expression, fully integrated into a vast network of cultural and historical knowledge. They can switch between the literal, the metaphorical, and the scientific usage of the word with ease and stylistic flair.

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Schaf 30초 만에

A neuter noun (das Schaf) meaning 'sheep', used for the animal and its products.
Essential for A1 learners; plural is 'die Schafe' (no umlaut).
Rich in metaphors like 'schwarzes Schaf' (black sheep) and 'Schafe zählen' (counting sheep).
Key in German agriculture, especially for wool and coastal protection.

The German word Schaf refers to the domestic sheep (Ovis aries), a multi-purpose ruminant that has been integral to Central European agriculture for millennia. In a literal sense, it describes the woolly animal found on pastures, dikes, and mountainsides across Germany, from the fluffy 'Heidschnucken' of the Lüneburg Heath to the 'Deichschafe' (dike sheep) of the North Sea coast. Beyond the biological animal, 'Schaf' carries a heavy load of symbolic and metaphorical weight in the German language. It is often associated with innocence, patience, and social conformity, but also with a perceived lack of intelligence or a tendency to follow the crowd without question. You will hear this word in rural settings, in culinary discussions regarding 'Lammfleisch' (lamb) or 'Schafskäse' (sheep cheese), and in countless idiomatic expressions that permeate daily conversation.

Biological Classification: Das Schaf gehört zur Familie der Hornträger (Bovidae) und ist eines der ältesten Haustiere der Menschheit. Es wird primär für Wolle, Milch und Fleisch genutzt.

Auf der grünen Wiese steht ein einsames Schaf und frisst gemütlich das saftige Gras.

In Germany, sheep are not just livestock; they are 'Landschaftspfleger' (landscape maintainers). Because they graze specifically on certain types of vegetation, they prevent forests from overrunning heathlands and keep the grass on dikes short and dense, which is crucial for flood protection. The roots of the grass are packed down by their small hooves, strengthening the earth against the tide. Therefore, when Germans talk about 'Schafbeweidung' (sheep grazing), they are often talking about environmental conservation. Culturally, the sheep is a figure of gentleness. In religious contexts, particularly Christian ones which have deeply influenced the German language, the 'Lamm Gottes' (Lamb of God) or the 'gute Hirte' (good shepherd) looking after his 'Schafe' are ubiquitous metaphors for protection and guidance.

Der Schäfer führt seine Herde Schafe jeden Morgen auf die Weide, um sie dort grasen zu lassen.

Symbolic Usage: In der deutschen Sprache wird 'Schaf' oft verwendet, um eine sanftmütige, aber manchmal auch naive oder leichtgläubige Person zu beschreiben. Der Begriff 'Mitläuferschaf' kritisiert mangelnde Individualität.

The word is also used in the context of sleep. Much like in the English-speaking world, German children are told to 'Schafe zählen' (count sheep) when they cannot fall asleep. This practice is so ingrained that the image of a jumping sheep is the universal symbol for insomnia or the transition into dreamland. Furthermore, the products derived from sheep are highly valued. 'Schafwolle' is a staple for high-quality winter clothing, and 'Schafskäse' is a common ingredient in salads and Mediterranean-inspired German dishes. While 'Schaf' is the general term for the species, Germans are quite specific about the age and gender: 'Lamm' (lamb), 'Aue' (ewe), and 'Widder' (ram) are used in specialized or agricultural contexts, but 'Schaf' remains the go-to word for the layperson.

Wusstest du, dass die Wolle vom Schaf wasserabweisend ist und deshalb sehr warm hält?

Idiomatic Meaning: 'Das schwarze Schaf' bezeichnet jemanden, der aus der Reihe tanzt oder innerhalb einer Gruppe (meist der Familie) als Außenseiter oder Versager gilt.

In summary, 'Schaf' is a foundational noun in German. It encompasses everything from the physical animal in the field to the cozy wool sweater you wear, the cheese on your plate, and the metaphors you use to describe social dynamics. Whether you are reading a fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, where sheep often appear as humble companions, or discussing modern ecological farming practices, 'Schaf' is a word that connects the traditional past with the environmental concerns of the present. It is a neutral noun (das Schaf), which is an important grammatical detail for learners to master early on, as it determines the articles and adjective endings used in its company.

Das kleine Schaf verlor den Anschluss an die Herde und blökte laut nach seiner Mutter.

When you encounter 'Schaf' in compound words, it often loses its 's' in the middle (Schafwolle), but in genitive constructions or specific idioms, you might see 'Schafs-'. This nuance is something that intermediate learners focus on, but for the beginner, knowing 'das Schaf' and its plural 'die Schafe' is sufficient to navigate most conversations about animals or nature. The word's phonetic simplicity—a soft 'sch' followed by a long 'a' and a hard 'f'—makes it one of the easier words for English speakers to pronounce, as it is a direct cognate with the English 'sheep'.

Ich habe gestern ein Schaf im Streichelzoo gesehen, das sehr weiches Fell hatte.

Using the word Schaf correctly involves understanding its grammatical gender (neuter) and how it fits into various cases. Because it is a neuter noun, it follows the pattern: 'das Schaf' (nominative), 'des Schafes' (genitive), 'dem Schaf' (dative), and 'das Schaf' (accusative). In the plural, it becomes 'die Schafe'. Mastering these forms allows you to describe anything from a single animal to a vast herd. For instance, when describing an action performed by the sheep, you use the nominative: 'Das Schaf frisst'. If the sheep is the object of an action, such as being sheared, you use the accusative: 'Der Bauer schert das Schaf'.

Subject vs. Object: Nominativ: Das Schaf ist weiß. Akkusativ: Ich sehe das Schaf. Dativ: Ich gebe dem Schaf einen Apfel.

Wenn du ein Schaf füttern willst, musst du ganz ruhig und vorsichtig sein.

Adjective endings with 'Schaf' are also vital. Since it is neuter, an indefinite article (ein) leads to a '-es' ending on the adjective in the nominative and accusative: 'ein weißes Schaf'. With a definite article (das), the adjective takes an '-e': 'das weiße Schaf'. This changes in the dative: 'mit dem weißen Schaf'. These rules help you provide detail in your descriptions, whether you are talking about a 'kleines Schaf' (little sheep) or a 'wolliges Schaf' (woolly sheep). In more complex sentences, 'Schaf' often appears in the plural to describe groups: 'Die Herde besteht aus hundert Schafen'. Note the '-n' added to 'Schafe' in the dative plural.

In den Bergen haben wir viele wilde Schafe beobachtet, die geschickt über die Felsen kletterten.

Compound Words: Schafskäse (sheep cheese), Schafwolle (sheep wool), Schafstall (sheepfold), Schafherde (flock of sheep).

Verbs commonly associated with 'Schaf' include 'blöken' (to bleat), 'grasen' (to graze), 'weiden' (to pasture), and 'scheren' (to shear). When constructing sentences, these verbs help bring the scene to life. For example: 'Das Schaf blökt laut, weil es Hunger hat' (The sheep bleats loudly because it is hungry). Or: 'Im Mai werden die Schafe geschoren' (In May, the sheep are sheared). These passive constructions are common in agricultural reports or educational texts. In figurative speech, you might use 'Schaf' with verbs of movement or social behavior: 'Er folgt ihm wie ein geduldiges Schaf' (He follows him like a patient sheep).

Das Schaf lässt sich ruhig die Wolle abscheren, ohne sich viel zu bewegen.

Prepositional Phrases: Von Schafen umgeben (surrounded by sheep), wegen des Schafes (because of the sheep), für das Schaf (for the sheep).

Furthermore, 'Schaf' is used in conditional and hypothetical sentences to illustrate metaphors. 'Wenn er ein Schaf wäre, würde er sich in der Herde wohlfühlen' (If he were a sheep, he would feel comfortable in the flock). This highlights the social nature of the animal. In academic or scientific writing, you might encounter the Latin-derived 'Ovide' or simply the more formal 'Hausschaf' to distinguish it from wild species. However, in 99% of daily life, 'Schaf' is the word you need. It is versatile, easy to decline, and essential for describing the German countryside.

Jedes einzelne Schaf in der Herde hat eine Markierung am Ohr zur Identifikation.

Finally, consider the diminutive 'Schäfchen'. Adding '-chen' makes the sheep small and cute, and it triggers an umlaut: 'a' becomes 'ä'. 'Schäfchen' is often used for clouds (Schäfchenwolken) or as a term of endearment. 'Bring deine Schäfchen ins Trockene' is a famous idiom meaning to secure your assets or profits. This diminutive form follows the same neuter rules as 'Schaf' but adds a layer of affection or metaphorical nuance that is very common in German literature and nursery rhymes.

Das Kind malte ein kleines, flauschiges Schäfchen auf sein Bild.

The word Schaf is omnipresent in German life, though its context varies depending on whether you are in the city or the countryside. If you are hiking in the Bavarian Alps or walking along the dikes of Schleswig-Holstein, you will hear farmers and locals talking about 'die Schafe'. It's a practical word used to discuss livestock management. You might hear a shepherd shouting to his dog, or a tourist pointing out the 'niedliche Schafe' (cute sheep) to their children. In these settings, the word is literal and grounded in the agricultural reality of Germany.

In Agriculture: Man hört das Wort oft auf Bauernmärkten, wenn über die Qualität von Schafwolle oder die Herkunft von Schafskäse gesprochen wird.

'Pass auf, tritt nicht in die Hinterlassenschaften der Schafe!', warnte der Wanderführer.

In German households, 'Schaf' appears frequently in the context of children's bedtime routines. The song 'Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf, der Vater hüt' die Schaf' (Sleep, little child, sleep, the father tends the sheep) is one of the most famous lullabies in the German-speaking world. Here, the sheep represents peace, safety, and the pastoral ideal. Similarly, parents might ask their children, 'Hast du schon Schafe gezählt?' when they are restless. In this context, the word is associated with comfort and the transition to sleep. Even the popular British cartoon 'Shaun the Sheep' is a hit in Germany, known simply as 'Shaun das Schaf', reinforcing the word in the minds of the younger generation.

In dem alten Kinderlied geht es um ein Schaf, das im Garten steht.

In the Kitchen: In deutschen Supermärkten findet man oft 'Schafskäse' oder 'Schafmilchjoghurt' im Kühlregal, besonders bei Bio-Produkten.

In a professional or social setting, you might hear 'Schaf' used metaphorically. If someone is described as 'das schwarze Schaf der Familie', it means they are the odd one out or the troublemaker. This is a common phrase used in casual conversation to explain family dynamics. You might also hear political commentators or social critics use terms like 'Stimmvieh' (voting cattle) or 'Herdentrieb' (herd instinct), where the behavior of sheep is used to critique people who follow leaders blindly. While 'Schaf' itself is rarely an insult to one's face, calling someone a 'dummes Schaf' is a mild way of saying they are being silly or naive.

Er war schon immer das schwarze Schaf und wollte nie so leben wie seine Eltern.

In Media: Naturdokumentationen im Fernsehen zeigen oft die Wanderbewegung der Schafe in den Alpen (Almauftrieb).

Finally, the word is heard in the textile industry. Germany has a long tradition of wool production, and 'Schafwolle' is highly marketed for its sustainable and insulating properties. In 'Wollgeschäfte' (yarn shops), customers discuss the softness of different types of sheep wool. Whether you are at a local 'Weihnachtsmarkt' (Christmas market) looking at handmade sheepskin slippers or reading a news report about a wolf attack on a 'Schafherde' (a recurring topic in German rural politics), the word 'Schaf' is deeply embedded in the linguistic and cultural fabric of the country. It is a word that bridges the gap between the ancient pastoral past and the modern debates about biodiversity and livestock protection.

Die Decke ist aus reiner Schafwolle gefertigt und hält im Winter extrem warm.

In summary, listen for 'Schaf' in songs, in the kitchen, on the news, and in the fields. It is a word that describes a vital part of the German landscape and a common metaphor for human behavior. Its frequency in the language makes it a key vocabulary item for any learner, providing a window into both the biological world and the cultural psyche of German speakers.

Wenn man nicht schlafen kann, hilft es manchmal, in Gedanken Schafe über einen Zaun springen zu lassen.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning the word Schaf is confusing it with the adjective scharf. While they look similar on paper, the pronunciation and meaning are vastly different. 'Schaf' (sheep) has a long, closed 'a' [ʃaːf], whereas 'scharf' (sharp/spicy) has a short 'a' followed by a distinct 'r' sound [ʃarf]. Mixing these up can lead to hilarious or confusing situations, such as telling a waiter you want your pizza 'mit Schaf' (with sheep) instead of 'scharf' (spicy). Always remember to elongate that 'a' for the animal!

Phonetic Pitfall: Schaf [long a] = Sheep. Scharf [short a + r] = Spicy/Sharp. Don't let the 'r' slip in if you're talking about the animal!

Fehler: Ich esse gerne Schaf (sheep) statt: Ich esse gerne scharf (spicy).

Another common error involves the plural form. Many learners assume that because many German nouns take an umlaut in the plural (like 'Hand' to 'Hände' or 'Apfel' to 'Äpfel'), 'Schaf' must become 'Schäfe'. However, 'Schaf' is a regular neuter noun in its plural formation: it simply adds an '-e'. The correct plural is 'die Schafe'. Using 'Schäfe' will immediately mark you as a beginner. Interestingly, the umlaut *does* appear in the diminutive 'Schäfchen', which might be the source of the confusion for some students. Keep the plural simple: no dots on the 'a'!

Richtig: Viele Schafe stehen auf dem Deich. Falsch: Viele Schäfe stehen auf dem Deich.

Plural Rule: Das Schaf (singular) -> Die Schafe (plural). No umlaut is used in the plural form of this word.

Gender confusion is a third area where mistakes happen. Since 'Schaf' is neuter (das), learners sometimes mistakenly use the masculine 'der Schaf' or feminine 'die Schaf' (singular). This error propagates through the entire sentence, affecting articles and adjective endings. For example, 'mein weißes Schaf' (correct) vs. 'meine weiße Schaf' (incorrect). To avoid this, try to associate 'Schaf' with other neuter animals like 'das Pferd' (horse) or 'das Schwein' (pig). Neuter is the standard gender for many general animal species names in German when the specific sex isn't highlighted.

Das Schaf ist ein Nutztier, kein Haustier im klassischen Sinne.

Compound Word Errors: Learners often forget the 's' in 'Schafskäse' or add an 's' where it doesn't belong, like in 'Schafwolle'. While usually understood, it sounds unnatural.

Finally, there is the risk of using 'Schaf' as an insult too literally. While calling someone a 'Schaf' can imply they are a follower or naive, it's not as harsh as 'Esel' (donkey/idiot). However, in a professional environment, any animal-based comparison should be avoided. A common mistake is using the English idiom 'black sheep' and translating it word-for-word. Luckily, in this case, the German 'schwarzes Schaf' is a perfect equivalent, so this mistake actually works out! But be careful with other idioms; for example, 'counting sheep' is 'Schafe zählen', but don't try to invent new ones like 'sheep-headed' (Schafskopf), which actually exists but is a specific card game and a very regional insult.

Sei kein Schaf und bilde dir deine eigene Meinung zu diesem Thema.

In summary, focus on the long 'a', remember the 'das' gender, and keep the plural 'Schafe' free of umlauts. By avoiding these common pitfalls, your German will sound much more authentic and you'll avoid the embarrassment of ordering a 'sheep' pizza or talking about 'many sheeps' with the wrong vowel sound.

Das Schaf gehört zur Gattung Ovis und ist weltweit verbreitet.

While Schaf is the general term for the animal, German has a rich vocabulary to describe specific types of sheep based on age, gender, and use. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more precise, especially in culinary or agricultural contexts. The most common alternative is Lamm (lamb). A 'Lamm' is a sheep under one year old. In a restaurant, you will almost always see 'Lammfleisch' or 'Lammkeule' on the menu, rather than 'Schaffleisch', which is rarely eaten and considered to have too strong a flavor. 'Lamm' also carries the same metaphorical weight of innocence as in English.

Age and Gender: Lamm (lamb), Aue or Mutterschaf (ewe), Widder or Bock (ram), Hammel (wether - a castrated male sheep).

Das kleine Lamm springt fröhlich über die Wiese, während das Mutterschaf aufpasst.

For male sheep, there are two main terms: Widder and Bock. 'Widder' is the standard term for an adult male sheep, and it is also the name for the zodiac sign Aries. 'Bock' is more general and can refer to the male of several species (like goats or deer), but it is frequently used for rams as well. If you are talking about a castrated male sheep, the word is Hammel. This term is also used in the idiom 'die Hammelbeine langziehen', which means to give someone a good scolding or to pull them into line. For a female sheep, Aue is the technical term, but most people simply say Mutterschaf.

Der stolze Widder hat große, gedrehte Hörner und führt die Herde an.

Comparison: Schaf vs. Ziege: Schafe haben Wolle und blöken; Ziegen haben Haare, oft einen Bart, und meckern. Schafe sind meist sanfter als Ziegen.

In a broader sense, you might use collective nouns like Herde (flock/herd) or Vieh (livestock). 'Vieh' is a general term for farm animals and can sometimes have a negative connotation when applied to people (Stimmvieh). If you want to describe the sheep's behavior, synonyms like sanftmütig (gentle/meek) or geduldig (patient) are often used. In literature, you might see the word Wollvieh as a humorous or slightly derogatory way to refer to sheep. When discussing the products, Vlies (fleece) is a more technical alternative to 'Wolle' when referring to the entire coat of the animal.

Die gesamte Herde bewegte sich langsam den Hang hinauf auf der Suche nach frischem Gras.

Metaphorical Alternatives: Mitläufer (follower), Unschuldslamm (innocent lamb), Bauernopfer (pawn/sacrificial lamb in a political sense).

Finally, consider the regional breeds. In Northern Germany, a 'Heidschnucke' is a specific type of sheep that is so iconic it has its own name. If you call a Heidschnucke just a 'Schaf', locals might correct you! Similarly, 'Deichschaf' emphasizes the animal's location and role. Understanding these nuances—from the culinary 'Lamm' to the zodiac 'Widder' and the regional 'Heidschnucke'—will greatly expand your descriptive capabilities in German and help you navigate both the supermarket and the countryside with confidence.

Ein Unschuldslamm ist er sicher nicht, er hat schon oft gelogen.

In summary, while 'Schaf' is your base word, 'Lamm', 'Widder', 'Aue', and 'Herde' are essential tools for specific communication. By mastering these, you can distinguish between the animal in the field, the food on your plate, and the metaphors in your conversation.

Die Heidschnucke ist eine sehr widerstandsfähige Schafrasse aus Norddeutschland.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

Interestingly, the word 'Schaf' replaced the older Indo-European word for sheep (which survives in Latin 'ovis' and German 'Aue') in the Germanic branch. This might be because 'Schaf' originally referred to a specific type of 'shorn' animal.

발음 가이드

UK /ʃaːf/

US /ʃɑːf/

Single syllable word; stress is on the only vowel.

라임이 맞는 단어

Schlaf (sleep) Graf (count/earl) brav (well-behaved) Haf (dialectal/archaic) straf (archaic) Epitaph Autograph Fotograf

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing it like 'scharf' (adding an 'r' sound).
Shortening the 'a' vowel too much.
Confusing the 'sch' with 's' or 'ch'.
Adding a 't' at the end (Shaft).
Improperly pronouncing the plural 'Schafe' as 'Schäfe'.

난이도

독해 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a cognate and has a simple spelling.

쓰기 2/5

Easy, but remember the neuter gender and the plural without umlaut.

말하기 2/5

Simple pronunciation, but avoid the 'scharf' pitfall.

듣기 1/5

Distinctive sound, easy to pick out in sentences.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

Tier weiß Gras Bauer Wiese

다음에 배울 것

Lamm Wolle Hirte Ziege Kuh

고급

Wanderschäferei Wiederkäuer Beweidung Schafskopf Herdenmoral

알아야 할 문법

Neuter Nouns in Accusative

Ich sehe das Schaf. (Article remains 'das')

Plural without Umlaut

Das Schaf -> Die Schafe (not Schäfe)

Dative Plural '-n'

Ich helfe den Schafen.

Compound Noun Gender

Die Schafherde (Gender comes from 'Herde', which is feminine)

Diminutive Umlaut

Das Schäfchen (a becomes ä when adding -chen)

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수준별 예문

Das Schaf ist weiß.

The sheep is white.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Ich sehe ein Schaf.

I see a sheep.

Accusative case for 'ein Schaf' (neuter).

Das Schaf frisst Gras.

The sheep eats grass.

Present tense of the verb 'fressen' (to eat for animals).

Dort sind zwei Schafe.

There are two sheep.

Plural form 'Schafe'.

Das Schaf macht 'mäh'.

The sheep goes 'baa'.

Onomatopoeia in German.

Das ist mein Schaf.

That is my sheep.

Possessive pronoun 'mein' with a neuter noun.

Ein Schaf hat Wolle.

A sheep has wool.

Neuter noun 'Wolle'.

Das Schaf ist klein.

The sheep is small.

Basic adjective use.

Der Bauer schert das Schaf.

The farmer shears the sheep.

Transitive verb 'scheren' with accusative object.

Die Schafe schlafen im Stall.

The sheep sleep in the stable.

Plural subject with prepositional phrase.

Ich mag Schafskäse im Salat.

I like sheep cheese in the salad.

Compound noun with linking 's'.

Wir besuchen die Schafe auf dem Bauernhof.

We visit the sheep on the farm.

Plural accusative 'die Schafe'.

Das Schaf hat ein weiches Fell.

The sheep has a soft coat.

Adjective 'weiches' with neuter noun 'Fell'.

Die Kinder zählen Schafe zum Einschlafen.

The children count sheep to fall asleep.

Idiomatic use of 'zählen'.

Ein schwarzes Schaf steht in der Herde.

A black sheep stands in the flock.

Adjective ending '-es' for neuter indefinite.

Gestern haben wir ein Schaf gesehen.

Yesterday we saw a sheep.

Perfekt tense with 'haben' and 'gesehen'.

Er fühlt sich wie das schwarze Schaf der Familie.

He feels like the black sheep of the family.

Figurative use of 'schwarzes Schaf'.

Die Wolle der Schafe wird zu Pullovern verarbeitet.

The sheep's wool is processed into sweaters.

Genitive plural 'der Schafe'.

Der Schäfer hütet seine Schafe mit einem Hund.

The shepherd herds his sheep with a dog.

Masculine noun 'Schäfer' derived from 'Schaf'.

Man sollte nicht jedem Trend wie ein Schaf folgen.

One should not follow every trend like a sheep.

Metaphorical use in a comparison.

In Neuseeland gibt es mehr Schafe als Menschen.

In New Zealand, there are more sheep than people.

Comparative structure with 'mehr als'.

Das Schaf ist ein wichtiges Nutztier für die Region.

The sheep is an important livestock animal for the region.

Formal term 'Nutztier'.

Er hat endlich seine Schäfchen ins Trockene gebracht.

He finally secured his profits (brought his sheep into the dry).

Idiomatic expression with diminutive 'Schäfchen'.

Vorsicht, das könnte ein Wolf im Schafspelz sein!

Careful, that could be a wolf in sheep's clothing!

Compound noun 'Schafspelz'.

Die Beweidung durch Schafe ist essenziell für den Küstenschutz.

Grazing by sheep is essential for coastal protection.

Nominalization 'Beweidung'.

Viele Bauern klagen über Wolfsrisse in ihren Schafherden.

Many farmers complain about wolf kills in their sheep flocks.

Compound 'Schafherden' in dative plural.

Das Schaf gilt als Symbol für Sanftmut und Geduld.

The sheep is considered a symbol of gentleness and patience.

Verb 'gelten als' (to be considered as).

Die Qualität der Schafwolle hängt von der Rasse ab.

The quality of the sheep wool depends on the breed.

Separable verb 'abhängen von'.

Der Herdentrieb führt oft zu irrationalen Entscheidungen.

The herd instinct often leads to irrational decisions.

Abstract compound 'Herdentrieb'.

Manche Menschen verhalten sich wie dumme Schafe.

Some people behave like stupid sheep.

Reflexive verb 'sich verhalten'.

Die ökologische Bedeutung der Schafe wird oft unterschätzt.

The ecological importance of sheep is often underestimated.

Passive voice 'wird unterschätzt'.

Er trennt die Spreu vom Weizen wie ein guter Hirte seine Schafe.

He separates the chaff from the wheat like a good shepherd his sheep.

Biblical/idiomatic comparison.

In der christlichen Ikonografie nimmt das Schaf eine zentrale Rolle ein.

In Christian iconography, the sheep plays a central role.

Academic term 'Ikonografie'.

Die Domestizierung des Schafes war ein Meilenstein der Neolithischen Revolution.

The domestication of the sheep was a milestone of the Neolithic Revolution.

Genitive singular 'des Schafes'.

Literarisch wird das Schaf oft als Antagonist zum Wolf dargestellt.

Literarily, the sheep is often portrayed as an antagonist to the wolf.

Adverb 'literarisch'.

Die Metapher vom verlorenen Schaf ist tief in der Kultur verwurzelt.

The metaphor of the lost sheep is deeply rooted in culture.

Prepositional object 'in der Kultur'.

Die ökonomische Relevanz der Schafzucht ist im 20. Jahrhundert gesunken.

The economic relevance of sheep breeding declined in the 20th century.

Compound 'Schafzucht'.

Er nutzte die Naivität der Leute aus, die ihm wie Schafe zur Schlachtbank folgten.

He exploited the naivety of the people who followed him like sheep to the slaughter.

Drastic idiom 'zur Schlachtbank folgen'.

Die genetische Vielfalt alter Schafrassen muss erhalten bleiben.

The genetic diversity of old sheep breeds must be preserved.

Modal verb 'muss' with passive infinitive.

Das Schaf als Opfertier ist ein Motiv in vielen antiken Religionen.

The sheep as a sacrificial animal is a motif in many ancient religions.

Apposition 'als Opfertier'.

Die diffizile Nuancierung zwischen 'Schaf' und 'Hammel' entgeht dem Laien oft.

The subtle nuance between 'sheep' and 'wether' often escapes the layman.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'diffizile Nuancierung'.

Nietzsches Kritik an der 'Herdenmoral' instrumentalisiert das Bild des Schafes.

Nietzsche's critique of 'herd morality' instrumentalizes the image of the sheep.

Philosophical context.

Die etymologische Herkunft von 'Schaf' lässt sich bis ins Indogermanische zurückverfolgen.

The etymological origin of 'Schaf' can be traced back to Indo-European.

Linguistic analysis.

Die haptische Qualität handgesponnener Schafwolle ist unvergleichlich.

The haptic quality of hand-spun sheep wool is incomparable.

Adjective 'haptische'.

In der bayerischen Wirtshauskultur ist 'Schafkopf' mehr als nur ein Kartenspiel.

In Bavarian tavern culture, 'Schafkopf' is more than just a card game.

Cultural reference.

Das Sujet des guten Hirten und seiner Schafe durchdringt die abendländische Kunst.

The subject of the good shepherd and his sheep permeates Western art.

Formal verb 'durchdringen'.

Die Ambivalenz des Schafes als sowohl heiliges als auch dummes Tier ist faszinierend.

The ambivalence of the sheep as both a sacred and a stupid animal is fascinating.

Abstract noun 'Ambivalenz'.

Man darf die Resilienz lokaler Schafrassen gegenüber klimatischen Veränderungen nicht verkennen.

One must not fail to recognize the resilience of local sheep breeds to climatic changes.

Negative construction 'nicht verkennen'.

자주 쓰는 조합

Schafe scheren

eine Herde Schafe

Schafe hüten

blökendes Schaf

wolliges Schaf

Schafe zählen

Schafskäse essen

reine Schafwolle

wildes Schaf

das verlorene Schaf

자주 쓰는 구문

Das schwarze Schaf sein

— To be the outsider or the failure in a group, especially a family.

Er ist das schwarze Schaf der Familie, weil er Künstler wurde.

Schafe zählen

— To count imaginary sheep in order to fall asleep.

Wenn du nicht schlafen kannst, musst du Schafe zählen.

Ein Wolf im Schafspelz

— Someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous.

Trau ihm nicht, er ist ein Wolf im Schafspelz.

Seine Schäfchen ins Trockene bringen

— To secure one's profits or assets, often in a selfish way.

Bevor die Firma pleiteging, brachte der Chef seine Schäfchen ins Trockene.

Geduldig wie ein Schaf

— To be extremely patient and uncomplaining.

Sie wartete geduldig wie ein Schaf auf ihre Verspätung.

Ein dummes Schaf

— A mild insult for someone naive or silly.

Du dummes Schaf, das hättest du wissen müssen!

Unschuldig wie ein Lamm

— To be completely innocent (often used with 'Lamm' instead of 'Schaf').

Er tat so, als wäre er unschuldig wie ein Lamm.

Die Schafe von den Böcken trennen

— To separate the good from the bad or the useful from the useless.

Bei der Prüfung trennen wir die Schafe von den Böcken.

Fromm wie ein Lamm

— Very pious or gentle.

In der Kirche war er fromm wie ein Lamm.

Schäfchenwolken

— Small, white, fluffy clouds (altocumulus).

Heute sind viele Schäfchenwolken am Himmel zu sehen.

자주 혼동되는 단어

Schaf vs scharf

An adjective meaning spicy or sharp. Pronounced with a short 'a' and an 'r'.

Schaf vs Schiff

A noun meaning ship. The vowel is a short 'i'.

Schaf vs Schlaf

A noun meaning sleep. Often confused because they rhyme and are used together in idioms.

관용어 및 표현

"Das schwarze Schaf"

— A person who is different from the rest of their group and is often looked down upon.

In meiner Familie bin ich das schwarze Schaf.

informal/neutral

"Seine Schäfchen ins Trockene bringen"

— To make sure that you gain an advantage or money before a situation gets worse.

Er hat schnell seine Schäfchen ins Trockene gebracht.

neutral

"Ein Wolf im Schafspelz"

— A person or thing that appears friendly or harmless but is really hostile.

Sein nettes Lächeln täuscht, er ist ein Wolf im Schafspelz.

neutral

"Die Hammelbeine langziehen"

— To scold someone or force them to behave better.

Dem Jungen muss man mal die Hammelbeine langziehen.

informal

"Geduldig wie ein Lamm"

— Being extremely passive and patient.

Sie ertrug die Kritik geduldig wie ein Lamm.

neutral

"Wie ein Schaf zur Schlachtbank"

— To go somewhere or do something without resisting, even if it leads to disaster.

Die Soldaten folgten dem Befehl wie Schafe zur Schlachtbank.

literary

"Bockshorn jagen (jemanden ins...)"

— To intimidate or mislead someone (related to the ram's horns).

Lass dich von seinen Drohungen nicht ins Bockshorn jagen.

neutral

"Ein Unschuldslamm sein"

— To be or pretend to be totally innocent.

Glaub ihm kein Wort, er ist kein Unschuldslamm.

informal

"Schafe zählen"

— To try to fall asleep by counting sheep.

Wenn ich nicht schlafen kann, zähle ich Schafe.

neutral

"Die Spreu vom Weizen trennen"

— To separate the valuable from the worthless (often associated with biblical sheep/goats).

Die Krise wird die Spreu vom Weizen trennen.

neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

Schaf vs scharf

Similar spelling and sound.

'Schaf' is a noun (sheep) with a long 'a'. 'Scharf' is an adjective (spicy) with a short 'a' and an 'r'.

Die Pizza ist scharf, aber das Schaf ist weich.

Schaf vs Ziege

Both are common farm animals.

Sheep (Schafe) have wool and bleat (mäh). Goats (Ziegen) have hair and bleat differently (meckern).

Schafe geben Wolle, Ziegen nicht.

Schaf vs Lamm

It's the same animal at a different age.

Lamm is a young sheep. Schaf is the general or adult term.

Ein Lamm wird später ein Schaf.

Schaf vs Widder

Specific male sheep.

Widder is specifically the male. Schaf is the general term.

Jeder Widder ist ein Schaf, aber nicht jedes Schaf ist ein Widder.

Schaf vs Hirte

Associated person.

Hirte is the person (shepherd). Schaf is the animal.

Der Hirte passt auf das Schaf auf.

문장 패턴

Das [Nomen] ist [Adjektiv].

Das Schaf ist weiß.

Ich sehe ein [Adjektiv]es [Nomen].

Ich sehe ein kleines Schaf.

Er ist das [Adjektiv]e [Nomen] der [Gruppe].

Er ist das schwarze Schaf der Familie.

Die [Substantiv] der [Nomen] ist wichtig für [Zweck].

Die Beweidung der Schafe ist wichtig für den Deichschutz.

Das [Nomen] fungiert als Symbol für [Konzept].

Das Schaf fungiert als Symbol für Sanftmut.

Die [Adjektiv]e [Substantiv] des [Nomen]s lässt sich [Verb].

Die historische Bedeutung des Schafes lässt sich kaum überschätzen.

Der [Beruf] [Verb] die [Nomen].

Der Schäfer hütet die Schafe.

Man sollte nicht wie ein [Nomen] [Verb].

Man sollte nicht wie ein Schaf folgen.

어휘 가족

명사

Schäfer

Schäferei

Schafwolle

Schafskäse

Schafstall

Schafherde

Schafbock

Schäfchen

동사

schäfern (rare)

scheren

blöken

weiden

grasen

형용사

schafähnlich

schafsmäßig

wollig

lammfromm

사용법

frequency

Very common, especially in rural areas, culinary contexts, and idioms.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'scharf' instead of 'Schaf'. → Das Schaf ist auf der Wiese.
Confusing the animal with the adjective for spicy/sharp due to similar spelling.
Saying 'die Schäfe' for the plural. → Die Schafe sind weiß.
Incorrectly applying an umlaut to the plural form.
Using masculine 'der Schaf'. → Das Schaf frisst.
Misgendering the neuter noun 'Schaf'.
Forgetting the 'n' in dative plural. → Ich gebe den Schafen Gras.
In German, most plural nouns in the dative case must end in -n.
Using 'Schaf' for meat on a menu. → Ich möchte Lammfleisch.
In culinary contexts, 'Lamm' is much more common and sounds more appetizing than 'Schaf'.

팁

Neuter Gender

Always learn 'das Schaf' as one unit. Neuter nouns are common for general animal names where the sex isn't the primary focus.

Long A

The 'a' in Schaf is long. If you make it short, it sounds more like the word for 'sharp', which can lead to confusion.

Plural Mastery

Remember: Schaf -> Schafe. No dots! This is a common test question because many students want to add an umlaut.

Dike Sheep

If you visit Northern Germany, you'll see sheep on dikes. They are there to keep the grass short and the soil firm.

Black Sheep

Use 'das schwarze Schaf' to talk about family or group dynamics. It's a very natural-sounding idiom in German.

Cheese Labels

Look for 'Schafskäse' (sheep cheese) or 'Ziegenkäse' (goat cheese). They are often next to each other in the store.

Counting Sheep

The phrase 'Schafe zählen' is universal. It's a great way to practice numbers in your head before bed!

Compounds

German loves compound words. 'Schaf' + 'Wolle' = 'Schafwolle'. Notice how the meaning is built logically.

English Cognate

Recall that 'Schaf' and 'sheep' are related. This makes the word much easier to memorize than unrelated words.

Bleating

The sound 'mäh' is very distinctive in German. If you hear it in a children's song, the word 'Schaf' isn't far away.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'SHARP' sheep, but remove the 'R'. You get 'SCHAF'. Or imagine a sheep wearing a 'SCARF' (Schaf) made of its own wool.

시각적 연상

Visualize a giant white 'S' shaped like a fluffy sheep. The long 'a' sound is like the sheep saying 'aaaa' while being sheared.

Word Web

Wolle Mäh Wiese Käse Hirte Lamm Scheren Herde

챌린지

Try to find three different compound words in a German supermarket that start with 'Schaf-'. (Hint: check the cheese and clothing sections).

어원

The word 'Schaf' comes from the Middle High German 'schāf' and the Old High German 'scāf'. It is a common Germanic word, with cognates in almost all Germanic languages, such as English 'sheep' and Dutch 'schaap'.

원래 의미: The root is believed to be Proto-Germanic *skēpą. The deeper origin is debated, but some linguists link it to a root meaning 'to shear' or 'to cut'.

Germanic / Indo-European

문화적 맥락

Calling a person a 'Schaf' or 'Stimmvieh' can be seen as elitist or insulting, as it implies they are unable to think for themselves.

The English 'black sheep' and German 'schwarzes Schaf' are identical in meaning, making this a very easy idiom for English speakers to adopt.

Shaun das Schaf (Popular stop-motion series) Das Lamm Gottes (Religious concept in German art) Schlaf, Kindlein, schlaf (Traditional German lullaby)

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

On a farm

Wo sind die Schafe?
Darf ich das Schaf füttern?
Wann werden die Schafe geschoren?
Wie viele Schafe haben Sie?

At a restaurant/supermarket

Haben Sie Schafskäse?
Ich möchte Lammfleisch bestellen.
Ist das aus Schafmilch?
Gibt es ein Gericht mit Schaf?

Bedtime

Zähl doch mal Schafe.
Wie viele Schafe siehst du?
Das Schaf schläft jetzt auch.
Schlaf gut, mein kleines Schäfchen.

In nature/hiking

Vorsicht vor der Schafherde.
Die Schafe stehen auf dem Deich.
Hörst du das Blöken der Schafe?
Die Schafe halten das Gras kurz.

Metaphorical/Idiomatic

Er ist das schwarze Schaf.
Sei kein Schaf!
Er hat seine Schäfchen ins Trockene gebracht.
Das ist ein Wolf im Schafspelz.

대화 시작하기

"Hast du schon mal ein Schaf aus der Nähe gesehen?"

"Magst du Schafskäse lieber als Kuhkäse?"

"Glaubst du, dass Schafe zählen wirklich beim Einschlafen hilft?"

"Kennst du jemanden, der das schwarze Schaf seiner Familie ist?"

"Was denkst du über die Rückkehr der Wölfe und den Schutz der Schafe?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe einen Besuch auf einem Bauernhof. Hast du dort Schafe gesehen?

Was bedeutet der Begriff 'schwarzes Schaf' für dich persönlich?

Warum sind Schafe wichtig für die Natur in Deutschland? Recherchiere kurz.

Stell dir vor, du wärst ein Schäfer. Wie würde dein Tag aussehen?

Schreibe eine kurze Geschichte über ein Schaf, das seine Herde verliert.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is neuter: *das* Schaf. This is important for articles and adjective endings. For example, you say 'ein weißes Schaf' in the nominative case.

The plural is 'die Schafe'. Unlike many other German words, it does not get an umlaut (so, no 'Schäfe').

You say 'das schwarze Schaf'. It is used exactly like the English idiom to describe someone who is an outsider or a disappointment.

In German, a sheep says 'mäh'. This is the equivalent of 'baa' in English.

Yes, 'Lamm' refers specifically to a young sheep (under one year old), while 'Schaf' is the general term for the species or an adult.

It is cheese made from sheep's milk, similar to Feta. It is very popular in Germany for salads and snacks.

Pronounce the 'sch' like 'sh', then a long 'a' as in 'father', and end with a clear 'f'. Make sure not to add an 'r' sound!

It means 'counting sheep', a common strategy for trying to fall asleep when you have insomnia.

A 'Schäfer' is a shepherd, the person who looks after a flock of sheep (Schafherde).

Yes, they are very important for coastal protection on dikes and for maintaining traditional landscapes like the Lüneburg Heath.

무료 가입하고 팁과 노트 보기