In German
Rat
Meaning: advice / council (not the rodent!)
Example sentences
IchbrauchedeinenRat.
I need your advice.
DerStadtrattrifftsichheute.
The city council is meeting today.
Grammar note
German “Rat” (masculine, “der Rat”) means “advice” or “council” — the animal “rat” is “die Ratte” in German, a completely different word with a different gender and an extra “t”.
Common mistake
Don't assume German “Rat” means the rodent — that's “die Ratte”. “Der Rat” only ever means advice or a governing council.
Quick check
What does German “Rat” mean?
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you say the animal “rat” in German?
“Die Ratte” — a different word, with a different gender, from “der Rat” (advice/council).
What does “Ich brauche deinen Rat” mean?
“I need your advice.”