essay on family in german

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German Essays on My Family: Meine Familie

Learning or Practising German Language? or your tutor asked you to write about your family, or you can say you need to write an essay on My family (Meine Familie) but you have no idea how to do that and where to start?

Well, In this blog post, I have shared some Easy Essays on My Family (Meine Familie) . All the best and keep learning.

Before Start, First we need to discuss some vocabulary related to Family.

The following list includes most of the members of your family tree. Get familiar with these words so you can recognize them:

Read Also: Easy German Essays for Beginners: 8 Examples to Practice Your Language Skills

• der Bruder (dêr brooh -der) ( brother )
• der Cousin (dêr kooh -zen) ( male cousin )
• die Cousine (dee kooh- zeen -e) ( female cousin )
• die Eltern (dee êl -tern) ( parents )
• die Frau (dee frou) ( woman/wife )
• die Geschwister (dee ge- shvis -ter) ( siblings )
• die Großeltern (dee grohs -êl-tern) ( grandparents )
• die Großmutter (dee grohs -moot-er) ( grandmother )
• der Großvater (dêr grohs -fah-ter) ( grandfather )
• der Junge (dêr yoong -e) ( boy )
• die Kinder (dee kin -der) ( children, kids )
• das Mädchen (dâs maid -Hên) ( girl )
• der Mann (dêr mân) ( man/husband )
• die Mutter (dee moot -er) ( mother )
• der Onkel (dêr on -kel) ( uncle )
• die Schwester (dee shvês -ter) ( sister )
• der Sohn (dêr zohn) ( son )
• die Tante (dee tân -te) ( aunt )
• die Tochter (dee toH -ter) ( daughter )
• der Vater (dêr fah -ter) ( father )

Use the following words for the in-laws:

• der Schwager (dêr shvah -ger) ( brother-in-law )
• die Schwägerin (dee shvai -ger-in) ( sister-in-law )
• die Schwiegereltern (dee shvee -ger-êl-tern) ( parents-in-law )
• die Schwiegermutter (dee shvee -ger-moot-er) ( mother-in-law )
• der Schwiegersohn (dêr shvee -ger-zohn) ( son-in-law )
• die Schwiegertochter (dee shvee -ger-toH-ter) ( daughter-in-law )
• der Schwiegervater (dêr shvee -ger-fah-ter) ( father-in-law )

To express the term step-, you use the prefix Stief- with the name of the relative, like in this example: Stiefbruder ( steef- brooh-der) ( step-brother ). The term for a half relative uses the prefix Halb- , so half-sister looks like this: Halbschwester ( hâlp- shvês-ter).

German-speaking children use the following terms to talk about their parents and grandparents:

• die Mama (dee mâ -mâ) ( mom )
• die Mutti (dee moot -ee) ( mommy )
• die Oma (dee oh -mâ) ( grandma )
• der Opa (der oh -pâ) ( grandpa )
• der Papa (dêr pâ -pâ) ( dad )
• der Vati (dêr fâ -tee) ( daddy )

When directly addressing their elders, children leave out the articles dee (dee) ( the ) and der (dêr) ( the ). For example, Mama! Komm her! ( mâ -mâ!! kom hêr!) ( Mom! Come here! )

Read our Complete Vocabulary: Talking about – The Family – in German

Essay One: The Average Family

Meine Familie ist eine kleine Kernfamilie, die zu einer bürgerlichen Familie gehört. Meine Familie besteht aus vier Mitgliedern, einem Vater, einer Mutter, mir und einer kleinen Schwester. Wie andere indische Familien sind wir keine große Familie. Wir leben in Berlin, aber meine Großeltern leben auf dem Land. Zusammen mit meinen Großeltern wird meine Familie eine kleine Familie. Meine Familie ist eine vollständige, positive und glückliche Familie, die mir und meiner Schwester viel Liebe, Wärme und Sicherheit schenkt. Ich fühle mich in meiner Familie so glücklich, dass es auf mich aufpasst und alle meine Bedürfnisse erfüllt. Eine glückliche Familie bietet ihren Mitgliedern die folgenden Vorteile.

Here is what the text is about (this is not a 1-to-1 translation!)

My family is a small nuclear family that belongs to a middle-class family. My family consists of four members, a father, a mother, me and a little sister. Like other Indian families, we are not a big family. We live in Berlin, Germany, but my grandparents live in the countryside. Together with my grandparents, my family becomes a little family together. My family is a complete, positive and happy family, giving me and my sister a lot of love, warmth and security. I feel so happy in my family that it takes care of me and meets all my needs. A happy family offers the following benefits to its members.

Essay Two: The Average Family

If you live with your Mum, Dad, and with your brother or sister. Then use this text to describe your family in your German essay:

Wir sind eine ganz normale Familie. Ich wohne zusammen mit meinen Eltern, meiner kleinen Schwester Lisa und unserer Katze Mick. Meine Großeltern wohnen im gleichen Dorf wie wir. Oma Francis arbeitet noch. Sie ist Krankenschwester. Die Anderen sind schon in Rente. Oma Lydia nimmt sich viel Zeit für mich und geht häufig mit mir Kleider oder Schuhe kaufen. Leider will meine kleine Schwester dann auch immer mit. Mein Vater arbeitet bei einer Bank und fährt am Wochenende gern mit seinem Motorrad. Das findet meine Mutter nicht so gut, da sie meint, dass Motorradfahren so gefährlich ist. Sie sagt, dass ich und meine Schwester auf keinen Fall mitfahren dürfen. Mein Vater versteht das nicht, aber er will sich auch nicht streiten. Nächstes Jahr wollen wir in ein größeres Haus ziehen, weil meine Eltern noch ein Baby bekommen. Ich hoffe, dass wir nicht zu weit weg ziehen, da alle meine Freunde hier in der Nähe wohnen. Meine Tante Clara, die Schwester meiner Mutter, wohnt sogar genau gegenüber. Meine Cousine Barbara kommt deshalb häufig zu Besuch.

We are a very normal family. I live with my parents, my little sister, and our cat Mick. My grandparents live in the same village where we live. Grandma Francis still works. She is a nurse. The others are already retired. Grandma Lydia spends a lot of time with me, and we often go shopping together to look for clothes or shoes. Unfortunately, my little sister wants to come with us as well. My father works in a bank and likes to ride his motorbike on the weekend. My mother does not like that because she thinks it is very dangerous. She says we are never allowed to ride with him on the bike. My father doesn’t understand why, but he doesn’t want to argue with her. Next year, we are going to move into a bigger house because my parents will have another baby. I hope we are not moving too far because all of my friends are here. My aunt Clara even lives opposite to us. Therefore, my cousin Barbara often visits us.

Example Three: A Big Family

If you have a big family, this example may help you with your German essay:

Meine Familie ist sehr groß. Ich habe zwei Schwestern, einen Bruder, drei Tanten, einen Onkel und sechs Cousins. Meine große Schwester hat lange blonde Haare und heißt Laura und eine kleine Schwester heißt Miranda und ist dunkelhaarig. Mein Bruder heißt Fred und trägt eine Brille. Ich verstehe mich gut mit meiner kleinen Schwester und meinem Bruder. Mit meiner großen Schwester streite ich mich oft um den Computer. Mein Vater arbeitet zwar viel, aber am Wochenende hilft er uns immer bei den Hausaufgaben. Meine Mutter backt gerne Torten. Ihre Schokotorten mag ich besonders gerne. In den Ferien besuchen wir häufig meine Großeltern, da sie leider so weit entfernt wohnen. Meine anderen Großeltern, die Eltern meiner Mutter wohnen eine Straße weiter. Das finde ich schön, da wir uns oft sehen können. Außerdem haben sie eine süße Perserkatze, mit der ich immer spiele. Wenn uns meine Cousins besuchen kommen, unternehmen wir meist etwas Besonderes. Letztes Wochenende waren wir alle zusammen im Zoo. Das war lustig, da mein Cousin Ben Angst vor Schlangen hatte. Ich mag meine Familie!

Now, the same story in English:

My family is very big. I have got two sisters, one brother, three aunts, one uncle, and six cousins. My older sister has long blond hair, and her name is Laura. My little sister is called Miranda and has dark hair. My brother’s name is Fred and wears glasses. I get along well with my little sister and my brother. But I argue a lot with my older sister about the computer. Although my father works a lot, he always helps us with homework on the weekend. My mother likes to bake cakes. I especially like her chocolate cake. During the holidays, we often visit my grandparents because they live so far from us. My other grandparents, the parents of my mother, live on the street next to ours. I like that because that way we can see each other a lot. In addition to that, they have a cute Persian cat I always play with. When my cousins visit us, we always do something special together. Last weekend, we went to the zoo together. That was fun because my cousin Ben was afraid of the snake. I like my family!

Read Also:  Learn German Numbers (Deutsche Zählen) and Pronunciation 1 to 999999

Essay Four: A Small Family

If you are living with only one parent, check out this text:

Meine Familie ist sehr klein. Ich lebe zusammen mit meiner Mutter und meinem Bruder. Tanten oder Onkel habe ich nicht. Meinen Vater sehe ich nur in den Sommerferien, da er weit weg wohnt. Meine Oma wohnt gleich nebenan. Sie kūmmert sich nachmittags um mich und meinen Bruder, wenn meine Mutter arbeiten muss. Meine Oma ist schon in Rente. Sie hat frūher mal bei der Post gearbeitet. Mein Opa und meine anderen Großeltern sind leider schon gestorben. Mein Bruder heißt Patrick und ist sehr gut in der Schule. Er ist sehr groß und schlank und hat blonde Locken. Meine Freundin findet ihn sūß. Das verstehe ich gar nicht. Ich mag es aber nicht, wenn er laut Musik hört und es gerade meine Lieblingssendung im Fernsehen gibt. Dafūr geht er immer mit unserem Hund Gassi, so dass ich das nicht tun muss. Ich wūnschte, ich hätte noch eine Schwester, die mir helfen könnte, meine Haare zu frisieren, oder mit der ich die Kleider tauschen könnte. Ich hoffe nur, dass meine Mutter nicht noch mal heiratet.

In English:

My family is very small. I live with my mother and my brother. I have no aunts or uncles. I only see my father during the summer holiday because he lives far away. My grandma lives next door. She looks after me and my brother when my mother has to work. My grandma is already retired. She used to work at a post office. My grandpa and my other grandparents are already dead. My brother’s name is Patrick, and he is doing very well at school. He is very tall and slim and has curly blond hair. My friend thinks he is cute. I cannot understand that at all. But I do not like it when he listens to loud music when my favorite tv show is on. On the other hand, he always walks the dog so that I don’t need to do that. I wish I had a sister who would help me style my hair or who I could swap clothes with. I do hope that my mother is not going to marry again.

Read Also: Easy Sentences you need for Introduce yourself in German

Essay Five: Living with Grandparents

Do you live with your grandparents? Then check out this example if it suits you:

Ich wohne bei meinen Großeltern, da meine Eltern gestorben sind, als ich noch ein Baby war. Wir wohnen in einem großen Haus, und ich habe ein riesiges Zimmer mit meinem eigenen Balkon. Im Sommer mache ich dort immer meine Hausaufgaben. Meine Großeltern sind ganz lieb zu mir. Mein Opa hilft mir immer, mein Fahrrad zu reparieren und meine Oma lädt meine Freunde oft zum Essen ein. Ich habe auch noch einen Onkel, der manchmal am Wochenende vorbeikommt und Architekt ist. Momentan arbeitet er jedoch in Japan für drei Monate. Wir passen solange auf seinen Hund auf, und er hat mir versprochen, mir eine Überraschung aus Japan mitzubringen. Eine Frau hat mein Onkel nicht. Meine Oma sagt immer, er sei mit seiner Arbeit verheiratet. Dann gibt es noch Tante Miriam, die eigentlich keine richtige Tante ist, sondern die beste Freundin meiner Oma. Die beiden kennen sich aber schon so lange, dass sie inzwischen auch zur Familie gehört. Tante Miriam hat viele Enkelkinder und manchmal treffen wir uns alle zusammen im Park. Dann machen wir ein großes Picknick und haben ganz viel Spaß.

And here is what the text is about (Remember, this isn’t a 1-to-1 translation!):

I live with my grandparents because my parents died when I was a baby. We live in a big house, and I have a huge room with my own balcony. In the summertime, I do my homework there. My grandparents are very nice to me. My grandpa always helps me repair my bike, and my grandma often invites my friends for dinner. I also have an uncle who comes around for the weekend from time to time, and he is an architect. At the moment, he is working in Japan for three months, and we are looking after his dog. But he promised me to bring a surprise back from Japan. My uncle has no wife. My grandma always says he is married to his job. Then there is aunt Miriam who is not a real aunt actually but the best friend of my grandma. Since they have known each other for such a long time, she became a member of our family. Aunt Miriam has lots of grandchildren, and sometimes we all meet in the park. Then we have a great picnic and much fun!

If you have any doubt or have some suggestions for us, or even if we missed something to mention in My Family (Meine Familie), Let us know by writing in a comment box. Thanks for reading and sharing with your friends.

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Learn to talk about your immediate, extended or chosen family in German

Marie Schmoll

More than 40 million Americans claim German ancestry , so many of them feel a little bit German even if they don’t actually live in a German-speaking country . If that’s you and you want to explain in German that your great-great-grandfather came from Germany, we’ve got you covered.

Learning how to refer to family members in German is a great way to get started on learning the German language . These are usually some of the very first words we learned to say in our mother tongue, too. That’s why they’re so simple and easy to pronounce. After all, little German babies are just as new to the language as you are. If they can manage to say “Mom” and “Dad” in German, so can you!

Family in German

The German word for family is “ Familie ” [faˈmiːli̯ə] and the plural is “ Familien ” [faˈmiːli̯ən]. Luckily it’s very similar to the English word: Fah-me-lee-eh(/en).

Slang words include “ deine Alten ” (your old ones) for someone’s parents, but this expression has a negative connotation. So unless you’re joking with a friend, be polite and stick to the official terms when you encounter the following scenarios:

• When meeting your German friend’s or partner’s family
• When making German smalltalk by asking someone how their family has been
• When meeting someone new and asking them basic questions about their family situation in German

Interested in your family history?

Immediate family members in german.

In German, the immediate family is called the “ Kernfamilie ” (nuclear or core family). Learning how to describe it is important for basic conversations. That’s why we’ll teach you crucial words like “Mother”, “Father”, “Brother”, “Sister”, “Daughter” and “Son” in German.

Extended family in German

Of course, most families are bigger than that. You might want to talk about your third cousins and your great great grandmother in German, too.

Family members by marriage - Step and in-laws

In Germany, like in America, too, the inlaws have a worse image than they deserve. Even though most people actually do get along with their in-laws, one German expression in particular reflects on the bad rep they get: “ Jemanden stiefmütterlich behandeln ” (to treat someone stepmotherly) means “to neglect or ignore someone”.

Other family-related terms in German

Family is based on so much more than biology. Here are some important terms you can use to explain and introduce your chosen family including adoption and marriage.

Talking about family in day to day situations

When you meet someone new, the first thing you probably want to know is their name . Next up, asking about their family is a great way to get to know them a little bit. You might want to ask if they have siblings or children and chat about your own family situation. So we’ll get you started with the basics.

Common conversation

• Question. Hast du Geschwister? (Do you have siblings?)
• Answer. Ja, ich habe einen großen Bruder und zwei kleine Schwestern. (Yes, I have a big brother and two little sisters.)
• Question. Hast du eine große Familie? (Do you have a big family?)
• Answer. Meine Familie besteht aus meinem Papa, meiner Stiefmama, meinem Bruder Bruno und meiner Katze Fräulein Miez . (My family consists of my dad, my stepmom, my brother Bruno and my cat Fräulein Miez).
• Question. Leben deine Eltern in der Nähe? (Do your parents live close by?)
• Answer. Nein, meine Eltern leben beide in Hamburg und ich lebe in Frankfurt. (No, my parents both live in Hamburg and I live in Frankfurt.)

An easy follow-up question is to ask their sibling’s age (or their puppy’s!). Remember pets absolutely are a part of the family. So don’t forget to incorporate them in the conversation. If you need help remembering what to call your pet in German, refer to our fun guides on animals and birds in German .

• Question. Ist deine Schwester älter oder jünger als du? (Is your sister older or younger than you?)
• Answer. Meine Schwester ist zwei Jahre jünger als ich . (My sister is two years younger than me.)
• Question. Wie alt sind deine Geschwister? (How old are your siblings?)
• Answer. Mein kleiner Bruder ist erst 10. Er geht noch zur Schule. Mein anderer Bruder studiert . (My little brother is only 10. He is still in school. My other brother is in college).
• Question. Wie alt sind deine Haustiere? (How old are your pets?)
• Answer. Mein Welpe ist erst ein Jahr alt, und mein Papagei ist zwei. (My puppy is only one year old, and my parrot is two.)

Describing your family in German

Do you have your mom’s eyes but your dad’s ears? There are many things you can say about your family, all of them great for smalltalk.

• Meine Mutter und mein Vater haben braune Augen, wie ich, aber meine Schwester hat blaue Augen. (My mother and father have brown eyes, like me, but my sister has blue eyes.)
• Ich hab die schwarzen Locken von meinem Vater. Meine Mutter hat rote Haare. (I got my curly black hair from my dad. My mother has red hair.)
• Ich bin mit einem Zwilling verheiratet. (I’m married to a twin.)
• Ich bin adoptiert. (I’m adopted.)
• Ich telefoniere einmal im Monat mit meinen Eltern. (I call my parents once a month.)
• Ich bin ein Katzenmensch, aber mein Freund ist eher ein Hundemensch . (I’m a cat person but my boyfriend is more of a dog person.)

Family-related German idioms

There are some fun idioms and sayings about family members in German. To raise someone literally means “to pull someone tall” ( großziehen ), which, as so many other quirky German expressions , creates a wonderful picture - like you could just grab the child by the head and the feet and start pulling them until they’re tall.

Also, having custody over a child is “the right to worry about them” ( Sorgerecht ) and the big toe is called the “Big uncle” in German ( Großer Onkel ).

Videos to learn how to talk about family in German

Kinderlieder - die hai-familie.

Have you always wanted to listen to the Baby Shark Song in German? Absolutely not?

Well, give it a try anyway because you know how effectively it will get stuck in your head. So when the lyrics are in German, you have no other choice but to learn them, including all the important family related words like “Mama”, “Papa”, “Oma” and “Opa”.

Cultural considerations when it comes to family in German

Marriages are at a record low in Germany - the lowest since World War I.

At the same time, birth rates have been increasing and people still form partnerships and live together. They just tend to not get married.

Maybe Germans are busy enough with the draining bureaucracies of everyday life and don’t want to make their lives even more complicated by adding the paperwork that comes with getting married to their list.

So they stay in committed relationships without getting married, which is how the beautifully long German word “ Lebensabschnittsgefährte ” came to be. A commonly used term, it literally translates to “life section companion” and refers to your current partner.

You may not want to use the word as a pet name, since it’s less romantic than “love of my life” and certainly longer than “bae” but if you think about it, it’s still a positive term.

It entails the idea that even if you may not spend your entire life with one person, they’re your companion for a specific time of your life and that’s very nice to have and acknowledge.

This is a very realistic, down-to-earth view on partnership - you might say a very German one.

Family structures hold societies together and they’re just as important in Germany as they are everywhere else. Yet, sometimes family matters can be a bit of a headache. So try to take an uncomplicated German approach to all things family:

If a relationship ever doesn’t work out, just thank your Lebensabschnittsgefährten that they were there for you during a special time in your life. Then remember that other mothers have pretty sons or daughters, too - and when it comes to raising kids, throw out all the parenting books. Just pull them until they’re tall enough to manage on their own.

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How to talk about family in german.

Family is a huge part of, really, every culture in the world. But if you’re learning to talk about family in German, you might need to learn some vocabulary terms that account for some of the diverse family models you’ll encounter in Germany. Though the average German family might involve a married couple with one or two kids, many couples have children out of wedlock, or raise kids as single parents, or have extended families living under one roof. It’s also becoming more common for same-sex couples to raise children together.

Here is a list of essential vocabulary you’ll need to talk about family in German in all of its iterations. To hear how each word is voiced by a native speaker, just press the play button.

Essential Vocab For Family In German

the family —  die Familie

the relatives —  die Verwandten

the extended family —  die entfernten Verwandten

the ancestor —  der Vorfahr

the descendant —  der Nachkomme

the parents —  die Eltern

the mother —  die Mutter

the father —  der Vater

the children —  die Kinder

the daughter —  die Tochter

the son —  der Sohn

the siblings —  die Geschwister

the brother —  der Bruder

the sister —  die Schwester

the stepchild —  das Stiefkind

the half-brother —  der Halbbruder

the foster parents —  die Pflegeeltern

the guardian —  der Vormund

the grandmother —  die Großmutter

the grandfather —  der Großvater

the grandson —  der Enkel

the granddaughter —  die Enkelin

the nephew —  der Neffe

the niece —  die Nichte

the aunt —  die Tante

the uncle —  der Onkel

the cousin —  der Cousin (masc.) /  die Cousine (fem.)

the parents-in-law —  die Schwiegereltern

the great-grandparents —  die Urgroßeltern

the second cousin —  der Cousin zweiten Grades

Learn to Say “Father” in German and More

Imagine that you’re traveling to good old Germany , and you want the real experience (not just staying in a hotel or hostel like everyone else). Well, this is fair enough, and we definitely encourage going for the full Germany experience. But first, you’ll need to know some basic family terms, like how to say “father” in German.

Why is it so important to know the words for family members in German? Imagine the following situation:

You arrive at your freshly booked Airbnb, and your host welcomes you with a nice dinner. But there’s one hitch: you find yourself eating with his parents, some friends, his cousin, and his grandmother, too. Your host starts to introduce everyone, pointing to each person as he states their name:

Ich möchte dich meinen Eltern vorstellen. Das sind mein Papa und meine Mutter. Und dort sitzt meine Großmutter und mein Cousin.

Despite your host’s best efforts to familiarize you with his family, you actually find yourself more confused about who’s who. Oh no!

While learning things like family member terms in German first-hand is always a great idea, you may be more comfortable studying up on this before your trip. After all, when it comes to family in German, words like the one in our example are going to come up all the time, so you should prepare using German lessons about family like this one!

GermanPod101 has prepared a guide just for you, covering vocabulary terms for any family member you may find yourself introduced to! Going through this guide, you can work on your language skills beforehand, so that you can make the most of your first-hand learning experiences in Germany. So let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Family in German – Die Familie
• List of Closest Family Members + Basic Sentence Patterns
• More Family and Endearment Terms
• How to Talk about Family
• Cultural Insights in a German Family
• How GermanPod101 Can Help You Learn about Family in German

1. Family in German – Die Familie

Familie is the German word for “family.” As you can see, the word is more similar to English than you thought. Might this be because German families aren’t so different from those in the U.S. or other countries? Let’s take a look.

When you look over the demographics of Germany , you can clearly see that we are a dying nation. This means that every year, more people die than are being born, and our average age is getting older and older from year to year. (This is, of course, not exclusive to Germany, and is also happening in other first-world countries.)

I want to give you a short example of the above statistics using my family history. My grandmother was one of six children in her family at the end of the Second World War, and this was considered a normal-sized family. Now, my mom and dad are both one of three children. And today, there’s just me and my sister. From each of my uncles and aunties, I have between zero and three cousins.

Do you see what I mean? German families have become much smaller over the last seventy-eighty years. Today, people tend to think first about their lives and careers, and secondly about kids and family.

Families are the most important reference point for a child until the end of his or her time in college. But for many people, the end of college also represents a diminishing significance for their parents’ home. Keep in mind that I don’t want to say German kids don’t love their parents. Of course they do.

The family is, and will always be, important in Germany, so learn about it and adapt to it!

2. List of Closest Family Members + Basic Sentence Patterns

1- General Terms for German Immediate Family

We created an overview of the most important family in German vocabulary words, such as your siblings, parents, and grandparents. The German is on the left, and the English equivalent is on the right.

To help you out with some basic words and the pronunciation for family member terms, we created a free lesson in our free-of-charge course. With enough practice, you’ll be able to talk about your parents and siblings in German like it’s nothing!

2- Talking about Family Members

There are usually three situations when talking about family:

• You’re trying to talk about your family
• You’re talking about someone else’s family members
• You’re asking someone about their family

That means you need to describe who’s family you’re talking or inquiring about. This is done with possessives.

Similar to “my,” “yours,” “his” in English, in Germany we use meine, deine , and seine . To prepare you for the upcoming challenges associated with each of the situations outlined above, we’ve provided you with some basic questions and answers.

Take a close look at how we used the possessive pronouns. They always have to be adapted to the person you’re talking about.

3. More Family and Endearment Terms

1- German Extended Family

Everybody has family members outside of their immediate family. Below, we give you some family member terms that you’ll face every day while living with a German family. We won’t go into too much detail, as the half-sister of your siblings’ aunt isn’t really interesting anymore.

This doesn’t seem too hard to understand, does it? With all of the terms we’ve gone over so far, you’re almost ready to talk about your family in various contexts. There are some more things we’ll cover in the next chapters, but what we have so far are the closest family members.

2- Endearment Terms

Families are cute, and you can always hear little grandsons or granddaughters calling their grandparents “granny” or “grandpa.” Those are just a couple examples of so-called endearment terms , and of course we have them in Germany as well.

We’ll show you two quick ways to create endearment terms, and give you some examples. Before we go on, we want to let you know that this doesn’t work with all family members the same way.

1. Adding an i

The first way to create endearment terms in Germany is to cut the last letter(s) of the term, and replace it with the letter i . It’s no mistake that we mentioned it can be the last letter or letters . When the term ends with a vowel, you replace only the last letter. In any other case, you need to replace the last two letters.

Here are some examples:

Mama -> Mami “mother” -> “mom/mommy”

Mutter -> Mutti “mother” -> “mom”

Papa -> Papi “father” -> “daddy”

Vater -> Vati “father” -> “dad”

Opa -> Opi “grandmother” -> “granny”

Oma -> Omi “grandfather” -> “grandpa”

But there are also examples where it doesn’t work, such as:

Onkel -> Onki Tante -> Tanti Großmutter -> Großmutti (theoretically this works, but you’re never going to use this)

2. Adding chen to the end of the word

This might be the better-known form for any German learner. This one is a bit trickier and has some special rules. The basic rule is that you just add chen after each term. But be aware that when doing this, in some cases, if the word ends with a vowel, you have to cut this vowel before adding the chen . Or, if the word has a vowel in-between, you change it to ü , ö , or ä (instead of u, o, a).

Good examples are:

Großmutter -> Großmütterchen (grandmother -> grandma) Onkel -> Onkelchen Tante -> Tantchen (aunt -> auntie) Cousine -> Cousinchen

As you can see, sometimes there’s not even a proper English translation for the endearment term you can create in German. The good thing about this way of creating endearment terms is that you can use it with almost everything, and you’re not limited to people or family members. Take a look at these examples:

Bierchen from the word Bier (beer) Tischchen from the word Tisch (table) Tässchen from the word Tasse (cup)

4. How to Talk about Family

It’s quite easy to introduce your family to another person in German. Let’s imagine ourselves sitting around a large table, where all the family is eating together, and a friend of yours arrives for the first time. You both stand in front of the table.

5. Cultural Insights in a German Family

The family is, for most Germans, one of the fundamental aspects of their lives. The family is an important part of every German . Children usually grow up close to their grandparents (who sometimes take care of their grandchildren when the parents are at work). Further, trust is a big thing for German families. But even with this strong bond, Germans are moving out of their parents’ home quite early to study, work, and become financially independent.

We’ve already mentioned that most German families are fairly small compared to those in other countries. Family size strongly depends on where you live, though. For instance, in the countryside, it’s normal for multiple generations to live on a big farm together, or even more than one family from one generation.

So it can be possible to find houses with up to ten people in the more rural areas, but even there, everybody has their own space and flat. You can live there with your parents, your grandparents, and maybe even your uncle’s family.

In the city, the situation is typically different, and families don’t live together. Everybody has their own flat or house, and don’t see each other in daily life.

Traditionally, the man is the head of the family. But let’s face it: this isn’t really how it works anymore. Women enjoy the same rights as men , and all decisions are made as a couple, or even among the entire family including children.

In the old days, it was common for people to get married after living together for a while. Now, you can find couples that stay together their whole lives and never get married. But trends are now coming back to the traditional way.

For some more information about German culture , we’ve prepared another lesson for you.

6. How GermanPod101 Can Help You Learn about Family in German

We hope that you got some helpful insight from our article about families in Germany, such as how to talk about family members. You now know a little bit about the typical family situation in Germany today, and how people are organizing their daily lives.

You should be able to talk about your immediate and extended family, introduce them to others, and talk to someone about them.

If you want to really boost your German skills, then we recommend our private teacher program which focuses on your personal goals based on your current level.

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Family in Germany: Exploring 12 Dominant Aspects

Categories Culture , European Culture , German Culture

Here we are with 12 aspects of German family life that shape the heart of familial bonds in this interesting country. Like an engaging story waiting to be told, the details of German family dynamics reveal themselves, composing a tale of tradition, flexibility, and adaptation. From the cherished customs of traditional family values to the diverse family models, each aspect reveals a new layer of the German family experience.

Join us as we set out on a quest to the heart of German households, where cultural influences, technological advancements, and societal shifts converge to create an attractive page of familial life. Let’s explore the hidden aspects of German families and discover the depth of what truly makes these households unique.

1. Traditional Family Values

2. household composition, 3. cultural emphasis on trust and independence, 4. trends in family formation, 5. emergence of diverse family models, 6. government support for families, 7. challenges and considerations, 8. gender roles and family responsibilities, 9. cultural influences on family formation, 10. technological advancements and family communication, 11. challenges of balancing work and family life, 12. environmental endurance and family lifestyles, key takings about german family.

Family plays a central role in German society, Similar to the cornerstone of a castle, with its significance deeply rooted in personal relationships and consistent mutual support. Like the complex lines of a carpet, traditional family values have delicately twined the fabric of German culture, nourishing the bonds within the nuclear family; comprising parents and their children; while the extended family often grows in its own orbit.

Yet, among the winds of change and the tides of modernity, the landscape of familial dynamics is undergoing a development. As society accepts new norms and perspectives, German families find themselves moving to unknown waters, balancing cherished traditions with the currents of progress.

See Also German Parenting

In Germany, the composition of households reflects a trend towards smaller, nuclear family units as the predominant arrangement. Typically, these households consist of parents and their children under the age of 18, representing the traditional familial structure. However, societal shifts and evolving norms are opening in a variety of living arrangements.

The phenomenon of urbanization has significantly impacted household composition, with a notable increase in families opting for apartment living, particularly in dynamic cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Bremen, and Saxony. This shift reinforces the changing dynamics of family life in Germany, as individuals adapt to the demands of modern urban environments while still cherishing the core values of familial connection and support.

In Germany, cultural values place a significant emphasis on developing mutual trust and support within familial bonds. Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of cherishing their children’s dreams and ambitions while simultaneously encouraging them to develop independence .

This cultural ethos is exemplified by the common practice of young adults leaving the parental home to pursue higher education or to establish themselves financially. It highlights the belief that independence is a vital component of personal growth and development, and parents play a crucial role in implanting this value in their children.

In recent years, a notable trend has emerged in German family dynamics, characterized by a delay in family formation. Influenced by pursuits of higher education and career advancement, couples are increasingly opting to postpone starting families until the later stages of their lives. This delay is particularly evident in the average age of parents at the birth of their first child, with mothers typically approaching the age of 30 and fathers around 35.

Consequently, this shift has contributed to a decline in the average number of children per family, with a significant proportion now opting to have only one child. This trend highlights the evolving priorities and lifestyle choices of modern German families, reflecting a desire for financial stability, personal fulfillment, and careful planning before initiating the quest for parenthood.

In Germany, the fabric of family life is undergoing an innovative shift marked by an increasing diversity of family models. While the conventional image of the married couple with children still holds authority, there’s an apparent acceptance of alternative configurations. Unmarried cohabitation, single parenthood, and relationships within the LGBTQI+ community are steadily gaining prominence, mirroring the evolving societal attitudes toward family dynamics.

This acceptance of diverse family structures reflects a broader recognition of the multifaceted nature of human relationships and the need for equality in defining what constitutes a family. It signals a departure from traditional norms and confirms a progressive societal ethos that celebrates the multitude of ways in which individuals choose to form and encourage familial bonds.

Government support for families in Germany is an indispensable pillar in bolstering family welfare and stability. Through a multifaceted approach, the state provides essential aids such as child allowance, parental allowance, tax incentives, and subsidies tailored to pregnant women and low-income families. These initiatives are precisely designed to alleviate financial strains and foster an environment conducive to family formation and growth.

Furthermore, the provision of free school education serves as a cornerstone in nourishing the well-being of families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for all children to access quality education regardless of their financial circumstances. Collectively, these measures reinforce the government’s dedication to encouraging strong, flexible families and promoting social cohesion within German society.

While state support attempts to moderate financial burdens for families, single parents often encounter a distinct set of challenges that heighten their risk of poverty, especially when the other parent fails to fulfill their obligations in providing child support. This reality highlights the necessity of continuous efforts in family policy to safeguard the prosperity of all family structures within Germany.

Policymakers must address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of single-parent households through targeted interventions aimed at enhancing financial stability, access to education and employment opportunities, and social support networks. By recognizing and actively addressing these challenges, policymakers can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for single parents and their children, ultimately fostering greater social equality and cohesion within the broader framework of family policy.

Traditional gender roles within German households are experiencing a significant transformation, with a notable shift towards more egalitarian dynamics. Historically, men were predominantly viewed as the primary breadwinners, while women were expected to manage household responsibilities.

However, in contemporary families, there is a growing trend towards a more equitable distribution of duties between partners. This evolution reflects broader societal changes and a collective aspiration for greater work-life balance. Increasingly, both men and women are actively participating in both domestic and professional spheres, challenging traditional stereotypes and accepting a more collaborative approach to family life. This shift not only promotes gender equality but also advances healthier and more fulfilling relationships within households.

Cultural influences have a significant impact on family formation dynamics in Germany, where traditional values like marriage and parenthood persist alongside the emergence of increasingly diverse family models. While these traditional values continue to hold significance, modern families reflect a spectrum of structures and arrangements.

The rich texture of cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and regional customs all contribute to the diverse landscape of family life throughout the country. These influences shape not only the structures of families but also their dynamics, values, and priorities, highlighting the complexity and adaptability of family formation in contemporary German society.

See Also 5 Steps in German Relationships

Technological advancements have introduced in a innovative era in the domain of family communication within Germany. The advent of digital platforms, ranging from instant messaging to video calls, has fundamentally altered the way family members connect and interact with one another.

These technological tools enable integrated communication and coordination across distances, promoting closer bonds and facilitating the sharing of experiences and updates. However, alongside these benefits come concerns about excessive screen time and digital dependency, prompting a growing recognition of the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to technology usage within households.

As families direct the opportunities and challenges presented by technology, striking a healthy balance between digital connectivity and real-world interactions becomes increasingly imperative in preserving the happiness and cohesion of familial relationships.

The challenge of balancing work commitments with family responsibilities is a pervasive issue faced by numerous German families. While policies such as parental leave and flexible work arrangements have been implemented to reduce some of these pressures and promote a healthier work-life balance, many parents still find themselves directing the complexities of managing competing demands on their time and energy.

Juggling career aspirations with the desire to encourage and care for their families can often lead to feelings of stress, guilt, and exhaustion. Moreover, societal expectations and workplace cultures may incidentally perpetuate the notion that prioritizing family responsibilities could hinder professional success, adding an additional layer of complexity to the balancing act. Thus, despite the existence of supportive policies, the ongoing challenge of harmonizing work and family life persists as a significant issue for parents throughout the country.

Environmental consciousness influences many aspects of family life in Germany. Families prioritize long-lasting practices, such as recycling, energy conservation, and eco-friendly consumption habits. Teaching children about environmental responsibility promotes a sense of responsibility and commitment to preserving the planet for future generations.

These explanations offer engaging insights into the diverse facets of family life in Germany, showing the country’s rich cultural heritage and the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity within its households.

See Also German Cultural Roots

1. Traditional Family Values: German families cherish deep-rooted traditions, advancing strong bonds and mutual support similar a castle’s cornerstone.

2. Household Composition: Evolving societal norms are reshaping household structures, with urbanization driving a trend towards smaller, more adaptable family units.

3. Cultural Emphasis on Trust and Independence: Cultural values emphasize trust and independence, guiding parents in supporting their children’s autonomy while developing supportive relationships.

4. Trends in Family Formation: Changing priorities and lifestyles lead to a delay in family formation, with couples opting for financial stability and careful planning before accepting parenthood.

5. Emergence of Diverse Family Models: A progressive attitude towards diverse family structures reflects society’s recognition of the multifaceted nature of familial bonds.

6. Government Support for Families: State initiatives, such as child allowance and free education, bolster family welfare and promote social cohesion.

7. Challenges and Considerations: Policymakers strive to address the specific needs of single-parent households, advancing inclusivity and support within the family policy framework.

8. Gender Roles and Family Responsibilities: Evolving gender roles promote equality and collaboration within households, developing healthier and more fulfilling relationships.

9. Cultural Influences on Family Formation: Cultural diversity enriches family dynamics, shaping values, structures, and priorities across German society.

10. Technological Advancements and Family Communication: Technology transforms family communication, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to digital connectivity.

11. Challenges of Balancing Work and Family Life: Balancing work and family responsibilities remains a significant challenge, highlighting the importance of supportive policies and societal attitudes.

12. Environmental Endurance and Family Lifestyles: Environmental consciousness influences family practices, promoting a sense of responsibility towards sustainability and future generations.

How to talk about family in German

by Anne Walther

Published on February 16, 2023 / Updated on January 3, 2024

Making small talk is essential for learning a new language and integrating into a new country. And there’s no better way to get to know others and understand a country’s culture than by talking about family. Talking about your family in German will not only help you practice your language skills. It will also teach you about an important aspect of German culture . 

From immediate relatives to step siblings and everything in between, there are many German words to describe different familial relations. But don’t worry — we have you covered! With the lists below, you can get a head start on learning and memorizing the most important German vocabulary about family.

Immediate family

Extended family, other family or household members, marital status, other words to talk about family, learn languages at your pace.

Immediate family members include the people you’re immediately related to — for example, your parents and siblings. Unlike in some other cultures, Germans typically only live together with their immediate family, rather than with a large group of extended family members.

Of course, your family can also include extended family, such as your grandparents or in-laws. German naturally has words for these relations, as well. Notice that, as with parents, there are both formal and informal names for grandparents. 

The definition of “family” continues to expand, in Germany as well as in other cultures. With this in mind, there may be other people who are considered family in German, such as step-siblings or life partners. 

To help with your memorization, notice that many of these words share a similar prefix. Learning these common prefixes can come in handy whether you’re describing a life partner (prefix: Lebens- ) or a step relation (prefix: Stief- ). 

Especially when applying for a visa, changing tax classes or signing up for social benefits, you may need to specify your marital status. You may also need to describe which members of your family live in your household. Here’s a list of some key nouns and adjectives to get you started. 

Now that you can name all the family members and describe their various relations, it may help to learn some typical questions to ask about the family. The following questions and answers can get you a long way in making conversation.

In times of test, family is best

When you’re moving or even just traveling abroad, you may find yourself missing your family a lot. In moments like these, sharing memories about your loved ones with new friends can help you cope. It doesn’t hurt that it also helps with practicing German. Whether you’re talking about immediate or extended family, you’ll have plenty to speak about with these vocabulary lists. Study up, and you’ll be fluent in German in no time!

Anne Walther

Anne is a German freelance writer and communication consultant. In addition to her job, she is founder and coach of the Dutch non-for-profit organization CLUB Coaching. Due to her work, she resides in both Germany and the Netherlands. Whenever her time is not occupied with communication in all its forms, she spends time with her six pets, gardening or being creative with fashion and design. You can follow her on LinkedIn .

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Talk About Family in German with 41 Vocabulary Words

Have you ever noticed how often family comes up in conversation? 

Whether you’re learning German for the first time or looking to expand your vocabulary , understanding how to talk about family is essential for everyday conversations. 

Let’s explore how to talk about family in German, from your immediate to your extended family and beyond!

The Importance of Family in German Culture

How to say “family” in german, how to talk about family members in german, immediate family in german, extended family in german, sample sentences for talking about family, and one more thing....

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Family is highly valued in German culture. Germans often maintain strong ties with their immediate and extended families and there’s a strong sense of loyalty and commitment to your family.  

The German social welfare system is also family-oriented, with policies that support families, especially those with children. This includes parental leave, childcare services and financial assistance. German parents are entitled to a whopping three years of parental leave … per child! 

There’s also a strong emphasis on respecting and caring for elders in German families. Grandparents often play an active role in the lives of their grandchildren, providing wisdom and guidance. They’re generally well taken care of by the country  when they need additional care later in life.

While elders are important, the typical German household consists of mother, father and children, with extended relatives and elders generally living on their own. 

Special events and holidays are often celebrated at home with the family. These events bring family members together and are marked by traditions and rituals. 

In fact, spending some down time with the fam is so important to German culture that it’s celebrated by Kaffee und Kuchen , an hour break from a work day to relax over coffee and cake with family (or friends/coworkers). 

The word for “family” in German is Familie and the plural is Familien . 

The word is pretty much synonymous, but just be sure to learn it as a singular word, not plural. Often in English, you’ll hear people say “My family are ” instead of “My family is. ” This doesn’t fly in German—so be sure to always conjugate whatever verb you’re using to the third person singular!

Here are a few examples:

Meine Familie ist groß. — My family is big.

Ich liebe meine Familie. — I love my family.

Wie geht es deiner Familie? — How is your family?

Seine Familie kommt aus Deutschland. — His family is from Germany.

Es gibt viele Familien in dieser Nachbarschaft. — There are many families in this neighborhood.

You just learned a lot of words! How do you actually put them to use? You can start by adapting the sentences below to suit whatever you need to say. 

• Das ist meine Familie. — This is my family. 
• Wir sind eine glückliche Familie. — We are a happy family.
• Ich habe einen Bruder und eine Schwester. — I have a brother and a sister.
• Meine Eltern leben in New York. — My parents live in New York.
• Ich verbringe gerne Zeit mit meinen Kindern. — I love spending time with my children.
• Wie geht es deiner Schwester? — How is your sister? 
• Familie ist das Wichtigste im Leben. — Family is the most important thing in life.
• Meine Großeltern wohnen in einem kleinen Dorf. — My grandparents live in a small village.
• Ich habe viele Cousins und Cousinen. — I have many cousins.
• Wie viele Geschwister hast du? — How many siblings do you have?
• Erzähl mir mehr von deiner Familie. — Tell me more about your family.

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German family words are a breeze to remember, especially as an English speaker.

And remember: We’re all part of the German language learning family! 

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How to describe your family in German

Family in German

In any language, discussing your family is a common and valuable way to connect with others and share about your life. In German, this is no different. Whether you’re traveling, making new friends, or just learning the language, being able to talk about your family in German can be a meaningful and practical skill. In this lesson, we will provide you with phrases and sentences to help you describing your family in German.

Use the following phrases to describe your family in German :

• Ich habe eine große Familie. – I have a big family.
• Ich bin verheiratet. – I am married.
• Mein Ehemann heißt Max. – My husband’s name is Max.
• Meine Ehefrau heißt Anna. – My wife’s name is Anna.
• Wir haben zwei Kinder. – We have two children.
• Mein Sohn heißt Tom. – My son’s name is Tom.
• Meine Tochter heißt Emma. – My daughter’s name is Emma.
• Meine Eltern leben in Berlin. – My parents live in Berlin.
• Ich habe einen Bruder und eine Schwester. – I have one brother and one sister.
• Mein Bruder ist älter als ich. – My brother is older than I am.
• Meine Schwester ist jünger als ich. – My sister is younger than I am.
• Meine Großeltern sind bereits in Rente. – My grandparents are already retired.
• Mein Opa ist 75 Jahre alt. – My grandpa is 75 years old.
• Wir verbringen viel Zeit miteinander. – We spend a lot of time together.
• Wir feiern gerne Geburtstage zusammen. – We like to celebrate birthdays together.
• Mein Vater ist Ingenieur. – My father is an engineer.
• Meine Mutter arbeitet als Lehrerin. – My mother works as a teacher.
• Mein Onkel wohnt in München. – My uncle lives in Munich.
• Meine Tante ist Ärztin. – My aunt is a doctor.
• Mein Cousin ist Student. – My cousin is a student.
• Meine Cousine ist Anwältin. – My cousin is a lawyer.
• Unsere Familie ist sehr eng miteinander verbunden. – Our family is very close-knit.
• Meine Eltern sind seit 25 Jahren verheiratet. – My parents have been married for 25 years.
• Wir haben einen Hund namens Rocky. – We have a dog named Rocky.
• Meine Schwester ist die Jüngste in der Familie. – My sister is the youngest in the family.
• Unsere Familie ist der wichtigste Teil unseres Lebens. – Our family is the most important part of our lives.

Read more:  Learn German easily – Vocabulary about (Health)

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Beginner German: Hear and Learn Words for Family Members

• History & Culture
• Pronunciation & Conversation

In this lesson,​ we introduce vocabulary and grammar related to talking about your family and yourself. You'll learn words and phrases that will let you talk about your own family in German, as well as understand what someone else says about his or her family. You can also listen to the vocabulary!

In addition to the members of a family ( die Familie , dee fah-MILL-yah), you'll learn how to ask someone's name (and answer), talk about family relationships and give the ages of people. We will also discuss the difference between the formal and informal "you" in German - a vital cultural and language distinction that English-speakers need to understand!

One of the first things you'll notice is that many of the German words for the family are similar to the English terms. It is easy to see the close Germanic language "family resemblance" between ​ brother / Bruder ,  father / Vater , or  daughter / Tochter . We call these similar words in two languages  cognates . There are a lot of English-German cognates for the family. Others are familiar because of common Latin or French origins:  family / Familie ,  uncle / Onkel , etc.

After you have studied this lesson, you will be able to read and understand a short paragraph in German about your or someone else's family. You'll even be able to draw your own family tree ( Stammbaum ) in German!

AUDIO : Click on the German phrases linked below to hear them.

Familienmitglieder - Family Members

Notice in the phrases below that when you talk about a feminine ( die ) person (or thing), the possessive pronoun  mein  ends in  e . When talking about a masculine ( der ) person (or thing),​  mein  has no ending in the nominative (subject) case. Other possessive forms ( sein , his;  dein , your, etc.) work the same way. The final  e  in German is always pronounced: ( meine  = MINE-ah)

AUDIO (mp3 or wav) for These Words

More family words in the German  Family Glossary .

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The Family in Modern Germany

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Nancy Reagin, The Family in Modern Germany, German History , Volume 40, Issue 4, December 2022, Pages 592–593, https://doi.org/10.1093/gerhis/ghac070

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The introduction to this well-organized anthology notes that little has been published in English in recent years on the history of the German family. This collection aims to fill the gap, drawing on the abundant research done in the last twenty years on the history of gender, sexuality and other areas to incorporate recent historiographical trends into an updated introduction to the history of the German family since 1871. Anthologies often include somewhat disparate chapters: essays that all focus on similar topics, but which sometimes fail to connect with each other or support any sustained analysis. The Family in Modern Germany offers a strong example of how to avoid these pitfalls. Each chapter is written by a different subject-matter expert for the period covered by that chapter, but the editor and authors have ensured that contributions are organized around two themes: a clear, consistent focus on demographic trends (family type, size and structure) and state policy vis-à-vis the family in each chapter, with additional discussions of groups that stood outside the traditional nuclear household—LGBTQ Germans, divorced Germans and households headed by single mothers. Readers interested in the connections between social policies and demographic changes over a 150-year span, under a succession of varied political regimes, will be well served.

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