Enkelkinder
The English phrase 'grandchildren' is translated into German as Enkelkinder.
Enkelkinder refers to the children of a person's own children.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Enkel, meaning grandchild or grandson and Kinder, meaning children.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form for a single grandchild is Enkelkind. While Enkel can specifically mean grandsons, it is sometimes used as shorthand for grandchildren in certain contexts. However, Enkelkinder is the precise term used for a group of mixed gender.
Did you know?
- The German language creates an infinite chain of ancestors by adding Ur- repeatedly, such as Ururenkel for a great-great-grandchild.
- In many German dialects, particularly in the South, people use the term Enkelchen as an endearing way to refer to their grandchildren, effectively adding a 'little' suffix to the word.
- In some older German literary traditions, the term Enkel was used more broadly to describe any descendant in a lineage, not just those one generation down.
Examples in context
- Ich habe keine Enkelkinder.I have no grandchildren.This sentence is useful for stating that you have no grandchildren.Tatoeba #9529126 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9186292 by CK
- Wir haben drei Enkelkinder.We have three grandchildren.This sentence is useful for stating that you have three grandchildren.Tatoeba #12216258 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6531136 by CK
- Wir haben keine Enkelkinder.We don't have any grandchildren.This sentence is useful for stating that you do not have any grandchildren.Tatoeba #12244032 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9458308 by CK
- Ich liebe meine Enkelkinder.I love my grandchildren.
- Wie geht es deinen Enkelkindern?How are your grandchildren?
- Hast du schon Enkel?Do you have grandchildren yet?
- Meine Enkel sind meine ganze Welt.My grandkids are my whole world.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are talking about their family over coffee.
- FelixHast du schon Fotos von deinen Enkelkindern?Do you already have photos of your grandchildren?
- JuliaJa, meine Enkelkinder sind so süß!Yes, my grandchildren are so cute!
- FelixWie alt sind sie jetzt?How old are they now?
- JuliaDie beiden sind erst zwei und vier.The two of them are only two and four.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
