mein Junge
/maɪ̯n ˈjʊŋə/word by word
The German phrase for "my boy" is mein Junge.
mein Junge is a term of endearment used by a parent or guardian when referring to their son.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive pronoun mein (my) and the noun Junge (boy).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some southern regions of Germany and Austria, you may hear Mein Bub used to address a boy in an endearing manner. Additionally, the colloquial phrase Mein Bengel is used in some regional dialects, particularly in rural areas, to mean "my rascal".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form mein Junge is in the nominative case, used when the phrase is the subject of the sentence. If the phrase is the direct object of a sentence, it changes to meinen Jungen. To show possession, use the genitive form meines Jungen. Finally, the dative form meinem Jungen is used after certain prepositions or as an indirect object.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɪ̯n ˈjʊŋə/
Did you know?
- The word Junge actually stems from an adjective meaning 'young'. It became a fixed noun because of its unique grammatical pattern, which is quite different from how other German nouns are formed.
- While many people assume Junge is the oldest way to say boy, the term Knabe was historically the standard, and its usage only shifted towards Junge during the 20th century.
Examples in context
- Das ist mein Junge.That's my boy.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as mein Junge.Tatoeba #3481702 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1804029 by Spamster
- Tom ist mein Junge.Tom is my boy.This sentence shows how to use mein Junge when naming a person.Tatoeba #6625483 by Felixjp, translation #2273293 by CK
- Nun, mein Junge, die Zeiten haben sich geändert.Now, my boy, times have changed.This sentence demonstrates using mein Junge as a direct address within a sentence.Tatoeba #3035164 by al_ex_an_der, translation #3035161 by al_ex_an_der
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A mother is praising her son's progress in a game.
- SarahDu bist so mutig, mein Junge!You are so brave, my boy!
- LukasDanke, Mama.Thanks, Mom.
- SarahIch bin sehr stolz auf dich.I am very proud of you.
- LukasIch versuche mein Bestes.I am trying my best.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mein, Junge) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Junge, mein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
