Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “adult” in German. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this term. While regional variations exist, we will focus primarily on the standard German language. So, let’s dive in and explore the various ways to convey the concept of “adult” in German!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Adult in German
When it comes to using formal language to refer to an adult in German, you have a couple of options:
- Erwachsene(r) – In formal situations, such as addressing adults in a professional setting or discussing legal matters, “Erwachsene” is the most common and appropriate term. It is used for both males and females, but can also be used as an adjective (e.g., erwachsene Person – adult person).
- Volljährige(r) – This term specifically refers to someone who has reached the legal age of adulthood, which in Germany is 18 years old. It emphasizes the legal aspect of being an adult and is often used in legal contexts.
Here are a few examples of how you can use these formal terms:
“Die Erwachsenen in der Versammlung waren alle sehr aufmerksam.” (The adults in the meeting were all very attentive.)
“Nur Volljährige dürfen an dieser Umfrage teilnehmen.” (Only adults are allowed to participate in this survey.)
Informal Ways to Say Adult in German
Informal language is commonly used in everyday conversations. Here are some ways to refer to an adult in a less formal setting:
- Erwachsener/Erwachsene – This term is the informal equivalent of “adult” and can be used to refer to someone who is no longer a child. It is more commonly used in casual conversations and in daily life.
- Volljährig – In informal contexts, you can also simply state that someone is “volljährig” to convey that they are an adult. It is less specific than the previous terms and does not imply any legal or formal nuances.
Consider these examples of how to use these informal expressions:
“Meine erwachsenen Kinder ziehen bald aus.” (My adult children are moving out soon.)
“Er ist bereits volljährig und kann seine eigenen Entscheidungen treffen.” (He is already an adult and can make his own decisions.)
Regional Variations
While the terms mentioned above are widely used throughout the German-speaking regions, some regional variations exist:
- In parts of Switzerland and southern Germany, the term “Erwachsener/Erwachsene” can sometimes be replaced with “Größere(r)” or “Große.”
- Similarly, some regional dialects use terms like “Grosse/Grosser” or “Erwachseni,” which mean the same thing but might sound slightly different.
These regional variations should be kept in mind if you find yourself in particular areas where these terms may be used.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “adult” in German. Whether you need to use formal or informal language, you can confidently express this concept using the words and phrases provided. Remember, “Erwachsene(r)” and “Erwachsener/Erwachsene” are the most common and versatile options, while “Volljährige(r)” emphasizes the legal aspect of adulthood. Feel free to use these terms in conversations, writing, or any other context where expressing the concept of an adult is necessary. Enjoy your journey of language learning, and embrace the German language with open arms!
