das Frettchen
Translation
ferret
Examples
Frettchen sind sehr neugierige Tiere.
Ferrets are very curious animals.
Sie hält sich ein Frettchen als Haustier.
She keeps a ferret as a pet.
Grammar Patterns
ein Frettchen als Haustier halten to keep a ferret as a pet Many people keep ferrets as pets.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Iltis (biologically related); Other mustelids: Wiesel (weasel), Marder (marten)
Etymology
From Old French 'fuiret', a diminutive of 'fuiron' (thief), referring to their sneaky behavior. The '-chen' in German is also a diminutive suffix.
Memory Tips
The beginning, 'Frett-', sounds like the English verb 'to fret'. Picture a ferret fretting and scurrying about, which is typical behavior for them.