deutsches Mädchen
The English phrase "german girl" is translated into German as deutsches Mädchen.
The phrase deutsches Mädchen is used to describe a female child or a young woman who is from Germany.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective deutsch (German) and the noun Mädchen (girl/maiden).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the neuter adjective ending -es because Mädchen is a neuter noun.
Did you know?
- In modern German, Mädchen is used for girls, but its root word Magd once meant both a 'maiden' and a 'servant'.
- The word Mädchen is a diminutive form. The suffix -chen is used to make a noun smaller or cuter, which automatically forces the word into the neuter gender regardless of the original noun's gender.
- Because Mädchen is a diminutive, it can be used to describe a girl's size or age, but using it for an adult woman can be seen as patronizing.
Examples in context
- Tom verliebte sich in ein hübsches deutsches Mädchen.Tom fell in love with a beautiful German girl.This sentence shows how to use deutsches Mädchen to describe someone Tom fell in love with.Tatoeba #4158529 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4157438 by Hybrid
- Das deutsche Mädchen spricht fließend Deutsch und Englisch.The German girl speaks fluent German and English.
- Die Mädels in Bayern tragen oft traditionelle deutsche Trachten.The girls in Bavaria often wear traditional German costumes.
- Ich kenne ein deutsches Mädchen aus Berlin.I know a German girl from Berlin.
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are talking about a new neighbor.
- SarahWer wohnt in dem Haus nebenan?Who lives in the house next door?
- JulianDort wohnt ein nettes deutsches Mädchen.A nice German girl lives there.
- SarahWie alt ist sie eigentlich?How old is she, actually?
- JulianSie ist erst zehn Jahre alt.She is only ten years old.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Mädchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
