dier

Dier is the Dutch noun meaning animal, referring to a non-human living being. It is used for all animal life, from pets and livestock to wildlife, and is typically contrasted with humans in discussions of biology, ethics, and welfare. The plural form is dieren.

In everyday language the word appears in many compounds. Huisdier (pet) denotes a domesticated animal kept as a companion. Dierenarts means veterinarian, and diergeneeskunde is veterinary medicine. A zoo is called dierentuin, with the plural dierentuinen. Zoological study is often referred to as dierkunde or, in formal usage, dierwetenschappen.

The term is closely related to similar Germanic words, such as German Tier, and is derived from a common Proto-Germanic root used for living creatures that are not humans. In scientific and educational contexts, dier serves as a generic category alongside other taxonomic terms; scientists may discuss dieren in contrast with planten.

In law and policy, the concept appears in phrases like bedreigde diersoorten and animal welfare regulations. The word also functions as an everyday label for animals without specifying species.