Enkelkind
/ˈɛŋkl̩ˌkɪnt/neuter
The English word grandchild is translated into German as Enkelkind. Wiktionary also lists Enkel and Kindeskind.
Meaning: child of one’s child (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Enkelkind | /ˈɛŋkl̩ˌkɪnt/ | neuter |
| Enkel | /ˈɛŋkəl/ | masculine |
| Kindeskind | [ˈkɪndəsˌkɪnt] (narrow) | neuter |
The term refers to the child of one’s child.
Which one should you use?
While Enkelkind is a gender-neutral way to refer to a grandchild, the masculine form Enkel is often used specifically to mean grandson. If you wish to refer specifically to a granddaughter, you should use the feminine form Enkelin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Enkelkind is Enkelkinder.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɛŋkl̩ˌkɪnt/
Did you know?
- The word Enkel shares a surprising linguistic history with the English word 'ankle'. They both descend from the Proto-Germanic word *ankulaz.
- In many German-speaking regions, you might hear people use the term Enkelbub to refer specifically to a grandson, adding a more colloquial, old-fashioned flavour to the word.
- The term Kindeskind is technically a tautology, essentially meaning 'a child of a child', which is a much more redundant way of saying 'grandchild' than is common in English.
Examples in context
- Mein Enkel ist acht Jahre alt.My grandchild is eight years old.This sentence is useful for stating the age of an Enkel.Tatoeba #11031633 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11031613 by DJ_Saidez
- Das Kind eines Kindes ist ein Enkel.The child of a child is a grandchild.This sentence defines the relationship of an Enkel.Tatoeba #12609230 by Vortarulo, translation #6176944 by RobinvanderVliet
- Sein Enkel wohnt in den Niederlanden.His grandchild lives in the Netherlands.This sentence describes where an Enkel lives.Tatoeba #6132059 by dasbeispielholz, translation #6010508 by RobinvanderVliet
- Meine Enkelkinder sind mein ganzer Stolz.My grandchildren are my pride and joy.
- Wir haben sieben Enkelkinder.We have seven grandchildren.
- Die Geburt meines Enkelkinds war ein wundervolles Erlebnis.The birth of my grandchild was a wonderful experience.
- Meine Enkel sind so liebenswert.My grandchildren are so adorable.
- Unsere Enkel sind zu Besuch.Our grandchildren are visiting.
- Mein erster Enkel ist unterwegs.My first grandchild is on the way.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are looking at a family photo album.
- SarahIst das dein Enkelkind?Is that your grandchild?
- JulianJa, das ist mein Enkelkind.Yes, that is my grandchild.
- SarahEs sieht sehr süß aus.It looks very sweet.
- JulianDanke, es ist sehr lebhaft.Thanks, it is very lively.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “grandchild” translations and entries Enkelkind, Enkel, Kindeskind, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Enkel, Enkelkind, Kindeskind, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
