Onkel
/ˈɔŋkəl/masculine
The German word for uncle is Onkel.
Onkel is a masculine noun used to refer to the brother or brother-in-law of someone's parent.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using Onkel in the genitive singular to show possession, it follows a weak declension pattern and becomes Onkels.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɔŋkəl/
Did you know?
- The word Onkel was borrowed into German from the French word oncle.
- Unlike English, where 'uncle' is almost always a biological or legal relation, German social usage sometimes uses 'Onkel' jokingly to refer to a man who behaves like an older, meddling relative.
- German has a specific term for the 'uncle' who is the father's brother, Vateronkel, though it is rarely used in modern conversation and mostly appears in genealogical records.
Examples in context
- Bob ist Ihr Onkel.Bob's your uncle.This is useful for translating the idiomatic expression regarding Bob.Tatoeba #6487292 by Espi, translation #2913980 by sundown
- Ich bin Toms Onkel.I'm Tom's uncle.This sentence shows how to identify oneself as an uncle.Tatoeba #2613493 by Espi, translation #2235800 by CK
- Wer ist dein Onkel?Who's your uncle?This is a way to ask someone to identify their uncle.Tatoeba #6050306 by wolfgangth, translation #6049456 by mailohilohi
- Guten Tag, Onkel Peter. Wie geht es Ihnen?Good day, Uncle Peter. How are you?
- Hallo, Onkel Peter! Wie läuft's?Hello, Uncle Peter! How's it going?
- Wo ist der Onkel Schmidt schon wieder? Er wollte uns etwas erzählen.Where is Uncle Schmidt again? He wanted to tell us something.
- 311 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are looking at old family photos.
- FelixWer ist der Mann auf diesem Foto?Who is the man in this photo?
- LauraDas ist mein Onkel aus Berlin.That is my uncle from Berlin.
- FelixBesuchst du deinen Onkel oft?Do you visit your uncle often?
- LauraJa, wir sehen uns jedes Jahr.Yes, we see each other every year.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “uncle” translations and entries Onkel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Onkel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
