große Schwester
The German phrase for big sister is große Schwester.
The phrase große Schwester is used to refer to a sister who is older than another person.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of große, which means big or large and Schwester, which means sister.
Which one should you use?
While große Schwester is commonly used to mean big sister, ältere Schwester is the more precise way to specify an older sister in terms of age.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the nominative singular feminine form, the adjective große takes the -e ending to match the noun Schwester.
Did you know?
- The German word Schwester is used alone to mean 'nurse' in a hospital setting, making the term 'big sister' sound like a familial relationship rather than a professional rank.
- If you call someone your große Schwester, you might be describing their physical height rather than their age, as große literally means 'large' or 'tall'.
- The word Schwester shares a common ancestor with the English 'sister' and the Dutch 'zuster', originating from the Proto-Germanic word *swestēr.
Examples in context
- Tom hatte auch eine große Schwester.Tom also had a big sister.This sentence shows how to say that someone had a große Schwester.Tatoeba #12266347 by mhr, translation #12267095 by Miktsoanit
- Meine große Schwester schwimmt sehr schnell.My big sister swims very fast.This sentence describes an action performed by a große Schwester.Tatoeba #544521 by jakov, translation #12807445 by rul
- Meine große Schwester hat mir nicht geholfen.My big sister didn't help me.This sentence describes a situation where a große Schwester did not provide help.Tatoeba #12203839 by mhr, translation #12204052 by Miktsoanit
- Guten Morgen, große Schwester! Wie hast du geschlafen?Good morning, big sister! How did you sleep?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are talking about their family members.
- LauraHast du eine große Schwester?Do you have a big sister?
- MaximilianJa, meine große Schwester lebt in Berlin.Yes, my big sister lives in Berlin.
- LauraIst sie viel älter als du?Is she much older than you?
- MaximilianJa, sie ist drei Jahre älter.Yes, she is three years older.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schwester, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
