Rotkehlchen
/ˈʁoːtˌkeːlçən/
The English word 'robin' is translated into German as Rotkehlchen.
The term refers to any bird that is called a robin in English.
Meaning: any bird called robin in English (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Rotkehlchen is a diminutive composed of rot (red), Kehle (throat) and the diminutive suffix -chen (little), literally meaning 'red-throat-little one'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Rotkehlchen is neuter and is used with the definite article das. The plural form is identical to the singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁoːtˌkeːlçən/
Did you know?
- In German, the name Rotkehlchen is an affectionate diminutive, which implies a sense of smallness and cuteness that the English 'robin' lacks.
- Because the word ends in the diminutive suffix -chen, the bird is grammatically treated as a neuter noun, regardless of its biological sex.
- In German culture, the Rotkehlchen is often viewed as a symbol of luck and a herald of spring, similar to its status in British folklore.
Examples in context
- Das Rotkehlchen sucht nach Würmern.The robin is looking for worms.This sentence is useful for seeing how the bird searches for food.Tatoeba #8745717 by Yorwba, translation #8742999 by Solana
- Auf meinem Fensterbrett ist ein hübsches Rotkehlchen gelandet.A pretty robin landed on my room's windowsill.This sentence is useful for describing a robin landing on a windowsill.Tatoeba #2760434 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2760422 by mervert1
- Im Frühling, als die Tage länger wurden und die Sonne wärmer schien, hat sie das erste Rotkehlchen erwartet, das aus dem Süden zurückkam.In the spring, when the days grew longer and the sun warmer, she waited for the first robin to return from the south.This sentence is useful for describing the arrival of the first robin from the south in spring.Tatoeba #746000 by Esperantostern, translation #266907 by Dejo
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are walking in a garden.
- HannahSchau mal, Felix, ein Rotkehlchen dort im Gebüsch!Look, Felix, a robin there in the bush!
- FelixOh ja, das Rotkehlchen ist wirklich sehr klein.Oh yes, the robin is truly very small.
- HannahEs ist so niedlich, wie es singt.It is so cute how it sings.
- FelixIch mag diesen kleinen Vogel sehr.I like this little bird very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Rotkehlchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
