schönes Mädchen
The English phrase 'beautiful girl' is translated into German as schönes Mädchen.
The phrase is used to describe a girl who is physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase schönes Mädchen, the adjective uses the ending '-es' because the noun Mädchen is a neuter noun.
Which one should you use?
While schönes Mädchen translates to 'beautiful girl', you may also encounter hübsches Mädchen, which is often used for 'pretty girl', whereas schönes Mädchen carries a slightly stronger connotation of 'beautiful'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of schönes Mädchen is schöne Mädchen.
Did you know?
- The word Mädchen is formed by adding the diminutive suffix -chen to the word for 'maiden'. In German, any noun ending in -chen automatically becomes neuter regardless of the original gender.
- If you call a woman a Mädchen in a professional setting, it can be seen as patronizing or belittling because it literally means 'little girl'.
- The word Mädchen comes from Magd combined with the diminutive suffix -chen. Historically, Magd referred to a young woman or a female servant.
Examples in context
- Du bist ein schönes Mädchen.You're a beautiful girl.Tatoeba #3220724 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2545660 by CK
- Du bist ein sehr schönes Mädchen.You're a very beautiful girl.Tatoeba #9981167 by wolfgangth, translation #6261710 by CK
- Mary ist ein sehr schönes Mädchen.Mary is a very beautiful girl.Tatoeba #743667 by Dejo, translation #742036 by CM
- Guten Tag, Sie sind ein hübsches Mädchen.Good day, you are a beautiful girl.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are looking at a photograph of a child.
- FelixWer ist das auf dem Foto?Who is that in the photo?
- SarahDas ist meine Nichte, ein wirklich schönes Mädchen.That is my niece, a really beautiful girl.
- FelixSie sieht genau aus wie du.She looks exactly like you.
- SarahDanke, das ist lieb von dir.Thank you, that is sweet of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Mädchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
