German · Nature, Animals & Weather
"Donkey" in German: Esel
der Esel
Donkey in German is der Esel. Say Ein Esel steht auf der Weide. Calling someone Esel can mean silly—tone matters. A young donkey is das Eselsfohlen.
Petting zoo
Das Kind füttert den Esel mit Heu.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Esel
Say it
AY-zel
/ˈeːzl̩/
AY-zel. Soft e as ay. Soft final el.
"Donkey" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Esel | the donkey Main noun. | Main noun. |
| ein Esel | a donkey Spotting or naming one. | Spotting or naming one. |
| Esel reiten | to ride a donkey Tourist/farm activity. | Tourist/farm activity. |
| stur wie ein Esel | stubborn as a mule/donkey Idiom. | Idiom. |
How to use Esel in real life
- 1Petting zoo
Das Kind füttert den Esel mit Heu.
The child is feeding the donkey hay.
Den Esel accusative.
- 2Countryside
Auf dem Hof gibt es einen alten Esel.
On the farm there's an old donkey.
Einen … Esel.
- 3Photo
Steh neben dem Esel für das Bild!
Stand next to the donkey for the picture!
Dem Esel dative.
Mistakes English speakers make with Esel
Incorrect: die Esel (singular)
Correct: der Esel
Singular is der Esel; die Esel is plural.
Incorrect: ein Donkey
Correct: ein Esel
Use Esel, not English donkey.
Good to know
Esel appears in fairy tales and gentle insults. On farms and in southern tourist spots you may meet real ones. Kids love them; adults use Du Esel carefully among friends only.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Visiting a small farm
ChatPal
Magst du den grauen Esel dort?
Do you like the gray donkey over there?
You
Sehr. Der Esel schaut so geduldig.
A lot. The donkey looks so patient.
ChatPal
Sollen wir Äpfel holen?
Should we get apples?
You
Nur wenn der Bauer es erlaubt — der Esel ist sein Liebling.
Only if the farmer allows it — the donkey is his favorite.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Donkey" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Donkey" in German
How do you say donkey?
Der Esel.
Gender?
Masculine: der Esel.
Plural?
Die Esel.
Insult?
Calling someone Esel can mean silly—use carefully.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
