mein Freund
/maɪ̯n frɔʏ̯nt/word by word
The German phrase for "my friend" is mein Freund.
The phrase refers to a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection and trust. However, be aware that using the possessive pronoun mein with Freund or Freundin often implies a romantic relationship, such as a boyfriend or girlfriend, rather than just a platonic friendship.
Which one should you use?
The form must change gender to match the person you are talking about: use mein Freund for a male friend and meine Freundin for a female friend. To specify a platonic friend and avoid the implication of a romantic partner, Germans typically use the indefinite article ein Freund (a friend of mine) instead of the possessive mein Freund. You can also use the phrase Eine/r meiner Freunde to express that someone is one of your friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form mein Freund changes to meines Freundes when used in the genitive case to show possession.
How do you pronounce it?
/maɪ̯n frɔʏ̯nt/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Das ist mein Freund.This is my friend.This sentence is useful for introducing someone as mein Freund.Tatoeba #675959 by Zaghawa, translation #675960 by CK
- Tom ist mein Freund.Tom is my friend.This sentence is useful for identifying Tom as mein Freund.Tatoeba #788063 by al_ex_an_der, translation #406604 by CK
- Mein Freund half mir.My friend helped me.This sentence is useful for describing an action performed by mein Freund.Tatoeba #1935356 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1935286 by Spamster
- Ich gehe heute Abend mit meinem Freund ins Kino.I'm going to the movies with my friend tonight.
- 213 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas introduces his friend to Laura at a party.
- LukasLaura, das ist mein Freund Julian.Laura, this is my friend Julian.
- LauraHallo Julian, schön dich zu treffen.Hello Julian, nice to meet you.
- LukasMein Freund wohnt in Berlin.My friend lives in Berlin.
- LauraDas ist ja sehr interessant!That is very interesting!
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.
