Cousin zweiten Grades
The English phrase "cousin once removed" is translated into German as Cousin zweiten Grades.
This phrase is used to describe a relative who is the child of one's first cousin.
Did you know?
- In German, the term Cousin zweiten Grades refers to the same relationship as the English 'second cousin', rather than a 'once removed' relationship. German kinship terms focus on the generation level rather than the specific gap between two individuals.
- The term Cousin entered the German language around the year 1600 via Middle French.
- German kinship logic treats the distance between relatives like a mathematical measurement, using the word Grade, which also means 'degrees' as in temperature or angles.
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are looking at old family photos.
- HannahWer ist der kleine Junge auf dem Foto?Who is the little boy in the photo?
- LukasDas ist mein Cousin zweiten Grades.That is my cousin once removed.
- HannahIch wusste gar nicht, dass du ihn kennst.I didn't even know you knew him.
- LukasWir sehen uns jedes Jahr auf Familienfesten.We see each other every year at family parties.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Cousin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
