In German
Katze
Meaning: cat
Formal or informal? “Katze” is the general word for cat. “Kater” means a male cat, a tomcat.
Example sentences
MeineKatzeschläftaufdemSofa.
My cat sleeps on the sofa.
DieKatzejagtdieMaus.
The cat chases the mouse.
IchhabeeineschwarzeKatze.
I have a black cat.
Grammar note
“Die Katze” is feminine, with plural “Katzen”. Plural “-en” is simple to learn.
Common mistake
“Kater” is a male cat, but in everyday speech it also means a hangover. Context makes the difference.
Quick check
Which word means “cat”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's a tomcat in German?
“Kater”, a male cat, which also means a hangover in everyday speech.
What's the German for kitten?
“Kätzchen”, with the diminutive -chen.