der Ochse, -n
ox
Definition & meaning
An Ochse is a castrated male bovine (a bull that has been neutered), specifically kept and trained for use as a draft animal, such as pulling plows or heavy wagons.
In a figurative sense, the word is often used as a mild insult or metaphor. It can describe a person who is perceived as stubborn, slow-witted, or brute-like in their strength. It is also used to refer to someone who is physically large and clumsy.
Grammar & Word origin
The word der Ochse is a masculine noun. Its plural form is die Ochsen. It belongs to the weak declension (n-declension), meaning it takes an -en suffix in all cases except for the nominative singular (e.g., genitive: des Ochsen, dative: dem Ochsen, accusative: den Ochsen).
Etymologically, the word stems from the Old High German ohso, which shares the same Germanic roots as the English word "ox". It is related to the Proto-Indo-European root that denotes a male animal or sire.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Rindvieh (often used in a derogatory way)
- Arbeitstier (referring to the working aspect)
- Bulle (technically different, as a bull is intact, but sometimes confused in colloquial speech)
- Dummkopf (when used as a metaphor for someone slow-witted)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Der Ochse zieht den Karren.noun
The ox pulls the cart.
Ein starker Ochse steht auf der Weide.noun
A strong ox stands in the pasture.
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