meine Freundin
The English phrase 'my girlfriend' is translated into German as meine Freundin.
meine Freundin is a common way to refer to a female partner in a romantic relationship. However, it can also mean 'my female friend' in a platonic sense, depending on the context of the conversation.
Which one should you use?
To clarify whether a relationship is romantic or platonic, German speakers often use different articles. While meine Freundin can imply a romantic partner, using the indefinite article eine Freundin (a female friend) is a common way to signal a platonic friendship. Additionally, Mein Mädel can be used to refer to a girlfriend, translating to 'my girl' or 'my gal'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Mein Mädel is a way to refer to a girlfriend that is often found in regional dialects.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on its role in a sentence. It remains meine Freundin when used as the direct object (accusative case).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly assume that meine Freundin always implies a romantic relationship.
Did you know?
- In a very casual or old-fashioned setting, a man might refer to his girlfriend as meine Alte, though this is quite colloquial and can be seen as disrespectful.
- When introducing a romantic partner in a very casual setting, some speakers use the English loanword Girlfriend to avoid any confusion with platonic friends.
- The term Schatz (treasure) is a much more common way to address a girlfriend directly than using the phrase meine Freundin, which is mostly used for third-party descriptions.
Examples in context
- Du bist meine Freundin.You're my girlfriend.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as your girlfriend.Tatoeba #1909197 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2218212 by CK
- Meine Freundin half mir.My girlfriend helped me.This sentence shows the phrase being used as the subject of a sentence.Tatoeba #5166206 by Sciuro_Kvar, translation #11675073 by sundown
- Ich liebe meine Freundin.I love my girlfriend.This sentence expresses affection for a girlfriend.Tatoeba #4806984 by Esperantostern, translation #9975213 by shekitten
- Ich liebe meine FreundinI love my girlfriend
- Ich vermisse meinen SchatzI miss my sweetheart
- Du bist meine LiebsteYou are my beloved
- Meine Partnerin begleitet mich zum GeschäftsanlassMy girlfriend is accompanying me to the business event
- Meine Freundin ist die Beste!My girlfriend is the best!
- Ich habe meine Freundin zum Essen eingeladen.I invited my girlfriend for dinner.
- Kannst du bitte meine Freundin anrufen?Can you please call my girlfriend?
- Das Geschenk für meine Freundin ist bereit.The gift for my girlfriend is ready.
- Danke, dass du immer für mich da bist, meine wundervolle Freundin.Thank you for always being there for me, my wonderful girlfriend.
- 128 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas is introducing his partner to Laura.
- LauraWer ist das denn?Who is that?
- LukasDas ist meine Freundin Sarah.This is my girlfriend Sarah.
- LauraHallo Sarah, schön dich kennenzulernen!Hello Sarah, nice to meet you!
- LukasSie ist auch sehr nett.She is also very nice.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
