mein Freund
/maɪ̯n frɔʏ̯nt/word by word
In German, "my boyfriend" is translated as mein Freund.
The phrase refers to a male partner in a romantic relationship.
Which one should you use?
The phrase mein Freund is ambiguous because it can mean both "my boyfriend" and "my friend" (a male friend). To avoid this confusion and specify that you are talking about a platonic friend rather than a romantic partner, Germans often use the phrase ein Freund von mir (a friend of mine).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on its role in a sentence. If "my boyfriend" is the direct object, use the accusative form meinen Freund. If it is the indirect object or follows certain prepositions like "mit", use the dative form meinem Freund. To show possession (the genitive case), use meines Freundes.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɪ̯n frɔʏ̯nt/
Did you know?
- The word Freund comes from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'the loving one'. In its earliest forms, it specifically described a lover or a loved one rather than a general acquaintance.
- In very formal or old-fashioned contexts, some may use mein Lebensgefährte to describe a long-term male partner without using the word 'boyfriend'.
Examples in context
- Mein Freund ist Lehrer.My boyfriend is a teacher.This sentence is useful for describing a person's profession using mein Freund.Tatoeba #8320866 by MisterTrouser, translation #9510368 by sundown
- Mein Freund ist ein Tor.My boyfriend is stupid.This sentence uses mein Freund to express that someone is stupid.Tatoeba #2460935 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2460926 by Hybrid
- Mein Freund ist nutzlos.My boyfriend is useless.This sentence uses mein Freund to describe someone as useless.Tatoeba #7030579 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6997342 by Hybrid
- Dies ist mein Freund, Simon.This is my boyfriend, Simon.
- Ich möchte Ihnen meinen festen Freund, Markus, vorstellen.I would like to introduce to you my boyfriend, Markus.
- Ich gehe heute Abend mit meinem Freundchen aus.I'm going out tonight with my little boyfriend.
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura is introducing Julian to her friend.
- JulianHallo, ich bin Julian.Hello, I am Julian.
- LauraDas ist mein Freund Julian.This is my boyfriend Julian.
- JulianSchön, dich kennenzulernen.Nice to meet you.
- LauraEr ist wirklich sehr nett.He is really very nice.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mein, Freund) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Freund, mein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
