Ich bin ein Mädchen
The English phrase "I am a girl" is translated into German as Ich bin ein Mädchen.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Depending on the region, different words for girl or young woman are used. In Swiss German, the term Meitschi is often used for a girl or young woman. In Bavarian German, you might hear Madl or Maidl to refer to a girl or a young woman. In some regions of Germany and Austria, the term Mädel is also used to mean girl.
How does it change in a sentence?
In German, the word Mädchen is grammatically neuter. Because of this, the indefinite article ein is used instead of the feminine eine.
Did you know?
- The word Mädchen is created by adding the diminutive suffix -chen to the word Magd, which historically meant 'maidservant'.
- While Mädchen is the standard term, using it to describe an adult woman can be seen as condescending or infantilizing in many social contexts.
- The suffix used in Mädchen is so powerful that it can change the grammatical gender of almost any noun it is attached to.
Examples in context
- Ich bin ein Mädchen.I am a girl.Tatoeba #4094668 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2363944 by kerbear407
- I bin a Maidl aus Bayern.I am a girl from Bavaria.
- Ich bin ein Mädchen und ich heiße Laura.I am a girl and my name is Laura.
- Als Kind sagte ich immer: Ich bin ein Mädchen.As a child, I always said: I am a girl.
Example conversation
Two children are playing a role-playing game in the park.
- LauraIn diesem Spiel bin ich eine Prinzessin.In this game, I am a princess.
- FelixDu bist ein tolles Kind, Laura.You are a great child, Laura.
- LauraIch bin ein Mädchen und ich bin mutig!I am a girl and I am brave!
- FelixJa, das bist du, Laura.Yes, you are, Laura.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ich, Mädchen, bin, ein, ich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
