Greetings! In this guide, we’ll explore how to say “cousins” in German. Whether you need to address your cousins in a formal or informal setting, we’ll provide you with tips, examples, and a few regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Cousins” in German
If you wish to refer to your cousins formally, especially in business or professional contexts, you can use the following terms:
1. Vetter (singular) – This term is used for male cousins in the singular form.
2. Base (singular) – This term is used for female cousins in the singular form.
3. Vettern (plural) – This term is used for male cousins in the plural form.
4. Basen (plural) – This term is used for female cousins in the plural form.
Here are a few examples to help you understand how to use these terms in a formal setting:
- Ich möchte meinen Vettern zu ihrem Erfolg gratulieren. – I would like to congratulate my male cousins on their success.
- Die Basen haben eine herausragende Leistung erbracht. – The female cousins have achieved outstanding performance.
Informal Ways to Say “Cousins” in German
When addressing your cousins informally, there are slightly different terms that you can use to express your familial connection:
1. Cousin (singular) – This term is used for male cousins in the singular form.
2. Cousine (singular) – This term is used for female cousins in the singular form.
3. Cousins (plural) – This term is used for male and mixed-gender groups of cousins in the plural form.
4. Cousinen (plural) – This term is used for female cousins in the plural form.
Let’s look at a few examples of these informal phrases:
- Hallo Cousin, wie geht es dir? – Hello cousin, how are you?
- Ich habe mich mit meinen Cousins und Cousinen getroffen. – I met up with my male and female cousins.
Regional Variations
The German language can vary slightly depending on the region, so it’s worth mentioning some regional variations in the terms used for cousins. While these variations might not be necessary for everyday use, they provide an interesting insight into the diversity of the German language:
1. Verwandte (general) – This term encompasses the broader meaning of “relatives” instead of specifically referring to cousins. It is used in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
2. Schwestersöhne (plural) – This term is found in some southern German dialects and translates to “sister’s sons.”
Remember, regional variations might not be recognized universally, so it’s essential to focus on the more common terms unless you specifically need to address someone from a particular region.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “cousins” in German. Whether you need to address your cousins formally or informally, you can now confidently use terms like “Vetter,” “Base,” “Cousin,” and “Cousine.” Regional variations, such as “Verwandte” or “Schwestersöhne,” provide additional depth to the language but aren’t necessary for everyday use.
Remember to adapt your choice of terms based on the context and the relationship you have with your cousins. Practice using these expressions, and soon you’ll be able to effortlessly connect with your German-speaking relatives on a whole new level!
