Ergebener
masculine
The English word "minion" can be translated into German as Ergebener or Untergebener.
Meaning: loyal servant of another more powerful being (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Ergebener | masculine |
| Untergebener | masculine |
These terms are used to describe a loyal servant of another more powerful being. You can also use the informal term Lakai to denote a servant or lackey, which can be used to playfully describe someone as a minion.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female minion, use the feminine form Untergebene.
Did you know?
- The adjective form of ergeben can be used in a closing of a formal letter, such as Ihr ergebener Diener, meaning 'your humble servant'.
- The term Lakai is a loanword from the French 'laquais', which originally described a specific type of liveried footman in a noble household.
- In a German workplace, using Untergebener to describe a junior employee sounds almost medieval, as if they are a subject to a monarch rather than a staff member.
Examples in context
- Wir brauchen weitere Gehilfen für das Projekt.We need more assistants for the project.
- Er ist nur der Lakai des Chefs.He's just the boss's lackey.
- Er war ein ergebener Diener des Königs.He was a loyal servant of the king.
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are discussing a character in a fantasy movie.
- JulianWer ist dieser Mann neben dem König?Who is this man next to the king?
- SarahDas ist sein ergebener Leibwächter, Julian.That is his loyal bodyguard, Julian.
- JulianEr scheint ihm blind zu folgen.He seems to follow him blindly.
- SarahJa, er ist ein völlig ergebener Diener.Yes, he is a completely loyal servant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “minion” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
