Learning how to express the concept of “married” in German can be useful for various purposes, whether you’re planning a trip to a German-speaking country, making new friends, or exploring the German culture. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of saying “married” in German, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Married” in German
If you are in a formal setting or addressing someone you are not familiar with, it is important to use the appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to express the word “married” in German:
1. Verheiratet
Verheiratet is the standard and most commonly used word for “married” in German. It can be used for both men and women. Here’s an example:
Mein Bruder ist verheiratet. (My brother is married.)
2. In einer Ehe
Another formal way to say “married” in German is “in einer Ehe” which translates to “in a marriage.” This term is often used in legal or official contexts. Here’s an example:
Er lebt in einer glücklichen Ehe. (He lives in a happy marriage.)
Informal Ways to Say “Married” in German
When talking to friends, family, or in casual settings, you can use these informal terms to express the concept of “married” in German:
1. Verheiratet sein
If you want to say that someone is married in a casual way, you can use the phrase “verheiratet sein.” Here’s an example:
Sie ist seit drei Jahren verheiratet. (She has been married for three years.)
2. In einer Beziehung
While “in einer Beziehung” technically translates to “in a relationship,” it is commonly used to refer to being married in an informal context. Here’s an example:
Wir sind seit langer Zeit in einer Beziehung. (We have been in a relationship for a long time.)
Tips for Talking About Marriage in German
Here are some tips to enhance your understanding and usage of the term “married” in German:
- Pay attention to gender: In German, the word for “married” does not change based on gender. However, if you want to specify the gender of the person you are talking about, use additional adjectives or pronouns.
- Use the correct verb form: When discussing someone being married, you may need to use appropriate verb forms such as “ist” (is) or “war” (was).
- Combine with adjectives: To provide more details about the marriage, use adjectives like “glücklich” (happy), “langjährig” (long-term), or “geschieden” (divorced).
Regional Variations
German is spoken in several countries, and there might be regional variations in vocabulary and expressions. However, when it comes to the term “married,” the variations are minimal. Verheiratet is commonly used throughout German-speaking regions, making it universally understood.
Conclusion
Now that you’re familiar with the various ways to say “married” in German, both formally and informally, you can confidently use these terms in different situations. Remember to pay attention to gender, verb forms, and consider adding descriptive adjectives to provide more information about the marriage. Enjoy practicing your German language skills and exploring the vibrant German culture!
