Kindermädchen
/ˈkɪndɐmɛːtçən/neuter
The English word "nanny" is translated into German as Kindermädchen. Wiktionary also lists Kinderfrau.
Meaning: child's nurse (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kindermädchen | /ˈkɪndɐmɛːtçən/ /-meːtçən/ |
neuter |
| Kinderfrau | /ˈkɪndɐˌfʁaʊ̯/ | feminine |
The term is used to refer to a child's nurse. A Tagesmutter specifically refers to a nanny who cares for children during the day while their parents are at work.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Kindermädchen is a compound of Kinder (children) and Mädchen (maid, girl or young woman).
Which one should you use?
While Kindermädchen is the standard term, Kinderfrau is a feminine alternative. If you are referring to a nanny who also provides tutoring, the term Gouvernante carries a slightly more formal connotation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Kindermädchen is the same as the singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɪndɐmɛːtçən/
Did you know?
- While Kindermädchen is the standard term, the word Mädchen is grammatically neuter in German, meaning a nanny is referred to using the pronoun 'it' rather than 'she'.
- If you are looking for a nanny in a formal household, you might see the term Nanny used in high-end German job listings, borrowed directly from English.
- The word Gouvernante is a loanword from French and historically implied that the nanny was of a higher social class than the domestic servants.
Examples in context
- Bist du das neue Kindermädchen?Are you the new nanny?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is the new nanny using Kindermädchen.Tatoeba #8076610 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5004894 by CK
- Maria willigte ein, bei uns als Kindermädchen zu arbeiten.Mary agreed to work for us as a nanny.This sentence is useful for describing someone agreeing to work as a nanny using Kindermädchen.Tatoeba #10634863 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10633221 by AlanF_US
- Wenn du in einem anderen Land leben möchtest, kannst du dich ja um eine Anstellung als Kindermädchen bemühen.If you want to live in another country, you could try to get a job as a nanny.This sentence is useful for discussing applying for a job as a nanny using Kindermädchen.Tatoeba #13329722 by Waldelfe, translation #8988110 by mccarras
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are discussing their childcare needs.
- HannahWir brauchen dringend ein Kindermädchen für die Kinder.We urgently need a nanny for the children.
- JulianSoll ich im Internet danach suchen, Hannah?Should I look for one on the internet, Hannah?
- HannahJa, ein erfahrenes Kindermädchen wäre toll.Yes, an experienced nanny would be great.
- JulianIch kümmere mich heute Abend darum.I will take care of it this evening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nanny” translations and entries Kindermädchen, Kinderfrau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
