In German

Eichhörnchen

Meaning: squirrel

Example sentences

  • DasEichhörnchenklettertaufdenBaum.

    The squirrel is climbing the tree.

  • EichhörnchensammelnNüssefürdenWinter.

    Squirrels gather nuts for winter.

  • EinEichhörnchenliefüberdenWeg.

    A squirrel ran across the path.

Grammar note

“Das Eichhörnchen” is neuter, built from “die Eiche” (oak tree) and “Hörnchen” (little horn-shaped thing). It's one of the longer, more fun-sounding German animal names.

Common mistake

Don't confuse “Eichhörnchen” with “Eichel” (acorn) or “Eiche” (oak tree) — related in theme, but three different words.

Quick check

Which German word means “squirrel”?

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Frequently asked questions

Is “Eichhörnchen” masculine, feminine or neuter?

Neuter: “das Eichhörnchen”.

What does “Eichhörnchen” literally come from?

“Eiche” (oak) plus a diminutive for “little horn”.