Weiblich en 30 segundos
- Weiblich is the standard German adjective for 'female', used in biological, social, and administrative contexts.
- It is the direct antonym of 'männlich' (male) and is essential for filling out official German forms.
- Grammatically, it requires standard adjective endings based on the noun it modifies (e.g., eine weibliche Person).
- While 'feminin' is used for style or grammar, 'weiblich' is the more neutral, factual term for biological sex.
The German adjective weiblich is a fundamental term used to describe the biological sex or the gender identity associated with being female. Derived from the noun 'Weib' (an archaic and sometimes derogatory term for woman, though the adjective remains neutral and standard), it serves as the direct counterpart to männlich (male). In modern German, its application spans from filling out official government documents to describing biological characteristics in nature and science.
- Biological Context
- Used to identify the sex of animals, plants, or humans (e.g., weibliche Blüten, weibliche Säugetiere).
- Administrative Use
- Standard term on forms for gender (Geschlecht: weiblich).
- Grammatical Context
- Refers to the feminine gender (Genus) of nouns, though 'feminin' is more common in linguistic textbooks.
"Das weibliche Geschlecht wird in dieser Studie besonders berücksichtigt."
Understanding 'weiblich' requires distinguishing it from 'fraulich' (womanly/curvaceous) and 'feminin' (feminine in style or grammar). While 'weiblich' is factual and descriptive, 'feminin' often carries connotations of grace or style. In professional settings, you will encounter 'weibliche Führungskräfte' (female executives), highlighting the word's role in discussing social and professional demographics. The word is indispensable for anyone navigating German bureaucracy or scientific literature.
"Suchen Sie nach weiblichen Vorbildern in der Geschichte?"
- Social Nuance
- It describes the presence of women in a group (weibliche Abgeordnete).
Using weiblich correctly involves mastering German adjective endings. Since it is a standard adjective, it changes based on the case, number, and gender of the noun it modifies. For example, 'eine weibliche Person' (nominative) vs. 'mit einer weiblichen Person' (dative). It is most frequently used in the attributive position (before a noun) or the predicative position (after a linking verb like 'sein').
"Die weibliche Stimme klang sehr beruhigend."
In scientific contexts, 'weiblich' is used to describe biological traits. In the workplace, it is used to denote gender-specific roles. A common pattern is 'weibliche Form', referring to the feminine version of a job title (e.g., 'Lehrerin' is the 'weibliche Form' of 'Lehrer'). This is a hot topic in the 'Gendern' debate in Germany, where the use of inclusive language is evolving.
- Predicative Use
- Das Kätzchen ist weiblich. (The kitten is female.) - No ending needed here.
- Attributive Use
- Ich habe eine weibliche Katze. (I have a female cat.) - Ending '-e' for feminine nominative.
"Gibt es hier weibliche Umkleidekabinen?"
When discussing demographics, you will often see 'der weibliche Anteil' (the female proportion). This is crucial for interpreting statistics in German news or reports. Remember that 'weiblich' is purely descriptive and does not imply any value judgment, unlike some historical uses of related words.
You will encounter weiblich in a variety of everyday and specialized environments. The most common place is on any official form—whether it's for a bank account, a visa application, or a gym membership. Under the heading 'Geschlecht' (Gender/Sex), you will typically see 'männlich', 'weiblich', and 'divers'.
"Bitte kreuzen Sie weiblich an, wenn das auf Sie zutrifft."
In the news, you'll hear it in discussions about the 'weibliche Quote' (female quota) in boardrooms or 'weibliche Wähler' (female voters) during election cycles. In a medical or biological context, doctors might discuss 'weibliche Hormone' (female hormones) or 'weibliche Anatomie'.
"Die weibliche Hauptrolle wurde hervorragend besetzt."
Education is another area: teachers might explain the 'weibliche Artikel' (die) to students, although 'feminin' is the technical linguistic term. Finally, in nature documentaries, the narrator will frequently distinguish between 'männliche und weibliche Tiere'.
One of the most frequent errors for learners is confusing weiblich with Frau. Remember: 'Frau' is a noun (person), while 'weiblich' is an adjective (characteristic). You cannot say 'Sie ist eine weiblich'; you must say 'Sie ist weiblich' or 'Sie ist eine Frau'.
- Mistake: Weiblich vs. Feminin
- Learners often use 'weiblich' for grammatical gender. While not strictly wrong, 'feminin' is the standard term in linguistics (e.g., 'feminines Genus').
- Mistake: Weiblich vs. Fraulich
- 'Fraulich' refers to physical appearance (curvaceous/womanly). Using 'weiblich' is safer and more neutral.
Incorrect: "Das ist ein weiblich Hund."
Correct: "Das ist ein weiblicher Hund."
Another mistake is forgetting adjective endings. Because 'weiblich' is often used in formal lists (where it has no ending), learners forget to add '-e', '-er', or '-en' when it's part of a full sentence. Always check the noun's case!
To expand your vocabulary, it's helpful to see how weiblich relates to other 'female' terms in German. Each has a specific nuance that changes the tone of your sentence.
- Feminin
- Used for grammar (feminine gender) and style/aesthetics (feminine look). It sounds more sophisticated than 'weiblich'.
- Fraulich
- Focuses on the physical or mature characteristics of a woman. Often used in fashion to describe clothes for 'mature' figures.
- Damenhaft
- Meaning 'ladylike'. It refers to behavior and etiquette rather than biology.
- Mädchenhaft
- Meaning 'girlish'. Used for younger females or styles that appear youthful.
"Ihr Stil ist sehr feminin, aber ihre Position im Unternehmen ist eine weibliche Führungskraft."
In biological terms, you might also see 'weibchen' (the female of an animal species). For example, 'Das Löwenweibchen' (the lioness). Understanding these distinctions helps you avoid sounding too clinical or too informal in the wrong context.
How Formal Is It?
Guía de pronunciación
Nivel de dificultad
Gramática que debes saber
Adjective declension (Weak, Strong, Mixed)
Grammatical gender (Genus: Maskulin, Feminin, Neutrum)
Suffix '-lich' for forming adjectives
Comparison of adjectives (Steigerung)
Substantivized adjectives (Das Weibliche)
Ejemplos por nivel
Ich bin weiblich.
I am female.
Predicative use, no ending.
Geschlecht: weiblich.
Gender: female.
Noun-like usage on forms.
Ist das ein weiblicher Name?
Is that a female name?
Masculine nominative ending '-er'.
Sie sucht eine weibliche Ärztin.
She is looking for a female doctor.
Feminine accusative ending '-e'.
Wir haben zwei weibliche Katzen.
We have two female cats.
Plural accusative ending '-e'.
Das ist eine weibliche Figur.
That is a female figure.
Feminine nominative ending '-e'.
Ist der Hund männlich oder weiblich?
Is the dog male or female?
Predicative comparison.
Mein Vorname ist weiblich.
My first name is female.
Simple sentence structure.
Die weibliche Hauptperson im Film ist mutig.
The female main character in the movie is brave.
Attributive adjective with definite article.
Es gibt viele weibliche Fans im Stadion.
There are many female fans in the stadium.
Plural with 'viele'.
Ich brauche eine weibliche Stimme für das Video.
I need a female voice for the video.
Accusative feminine.
Die Ärztin untersucht das weibliche Baby.
The doctor examines the female baby.
Neuter accusative ending '-e'.
In meiner Familie sind fast alle weiblich.
In my family, almost everyone is female.
Predicative use.
Kennst du eine gute weibliche Autorin?
Do you know a good female author?
Mixed declension.
Das ist ein typisch weiblicher Vorname.
That is a typically female first name.
Adverb 'typisch' modifying the adjective.
Die weibliche Kleidung ist im ersten Stock.
The female clothing is on the first floor.
Attributive use.
Die weibliche Quote in Führungspositionen steigt.
The female quota in leadership positions is rising.
Formal vocabulary.
Wir diskutieren über weibliche Rollenbilder in der Werbung.
We are discussing female role models in advertising.
Plural dative after 'über'.
Die Studie untersucht das weibliche Kaufverhalten.
The study examines female buying behavior.
Neuter accusative.
Es gibt immer mehr weibliche Abgeordnete im Parlament.
There are more and more female members of parliament.
Plural nominative.
Die weibliche Intuition wird oft unterschätzt.
Female intuition is often underestimated.
Abstract noun phrase.
Sie hat eine sehr weibliche Ausstrahlung.
She has a very feminine aura.
Using 'weiblich' to describe personality/aura.
In der Biologie lernen wir über weibliche Fortpflanzungsorgane.
In biology, we learn about female reproductive organs.
Technical plural.
Das Unternehmen fördert weibliche Talente.
The company promotes female talent.
Plural accusative.
Die weibliche Erwerbsquote hat sich deutlich erhöht.
The female employment rate has increased significantly.
Compound noun context.
Der Roman thematisiert die weibliche Emanzipation.
The novel addresses female emancipation.
Literary context.
Weibliche Hormone beeinflussen den Stoffwechsel.
Female hormones influence metabolism.
Scientific plural.
Die Künstlerin nutzt weibliche Formen in ihren Skulpturen.
The artist uses female forms in her sculptures.
Artistic context.
Es mangelt an weiblichen Vorbildern in der IT-Branche.
There is a lack of female role models in the IT industry.
Dative plural after 'an'.
Die weibliche Perspektive fehlt in diesem Bericht völlig.
The female perspective is completely missing from this report.
Subject of the sentence.
Viele Pflanzen haben sowohl männliche als auch weibliche Blüten.
Many plants have both male and female flowers.
Biological comparison.
Die weibliche Solidarität ist in Krisenzeiten wichtig.
Female solidarity is important in times of crisis.
Abstract concept.
Die Dekonstruktion weiblicher Identität ist ein zentrales Thema.
The deconstruction of female identity is a central theme.
Genitive feminine.
Die Studie belegt eine strukturelle Benachteiligung weiblicher Angestellter.
The study proves a structural disadvantage for female employees.
Genitive plural.
Weibliche Ästhetik wird oft als Gegensatz zur männlichen Logik gesehen.
Female aesthetics are often seen as the opposite of male logic.
Philosophical context.
Die Autorin hinterfragt die traditionelle weibliche Geschlechterrolle.
The author questions the traditional female gender role.
Sociological term.
Es bedarf einer differenzierten Betrachtung weiblicher Lebensentwürfe.
A differentiated view of female life plans is required.
Genitive plural.
Die weibliche Genitalverstümmelung ist ein völkerrechtliches Verbrechen.
Female genital mutilation is a crime under international law.
Legal/Medical term.
In der Mythologie finden wir oft starke weibliche Gottheiten.
In mythology, we often find strong female deities.
Plural accusative.
Die weibliche Intuition wird hier als epistemologische Kategorie untersucht.
Female intuition is examined here as an epistemological category.
Academic jargon.
Goethes Konzept des 'Ewig-Weiblichen' schließt den Faust ab.
Goethe's concept of the 'Eternal Feminine' concludes Faust.
Substantivized adjective.
Die Performativität weiblicher Geschlechtlichkeit wird hier analysiert.
The performativity of female gender is analyzed here.
High-level academic genitive.
Die weibliche Konnotation bestimmter Begriffe ist historisch gewachsen.
The female connotation of certain terms has grown historically.
Linguistic analysis.
Es gibt eine feine Nuance zwischen weiblich und feminin in der Lyrik.
There is a fine nuance between female and feminine in lyric poetry.
Stylistic comparison.
Die weibliche Urkraft wird in vielen archaischen Kulturen verehrt.
The female primal force is revered in many archaic cultures.
Mythological/Philosophical.
Die Diskursanalyse offenbart die Konstruktion des weiblichen Subjekts.
Discourse analysis reveals the construction of the female subject.
Post-structuralist terminology.
In der Alchemie wird das Silber oft dem weiblichen Prinzip zugeordnet.
In alchemy, silver is often assigned to the female principle.
Esoteric context.
Die weibliche Souveränität manifestiert sich in ihrer politischen Führung.
Female sovereignty manifests in her political leadership.
Political science context.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
Se confunde a menudo con
Modismos y expresiones
Fácil de confundir
Patrones de oraciones
Cómo usarlo
Avoid using as a noun ('die Weibliche') unless in specific philosophical contexts.
Very neutral and suitable for all formal levels.
Can refer to both biological sex and social gender.
Consejos
Check the Ending
Always look at the noun following 'weiblich'. If it's 'die Person', use 'weibliche'. If it's 'der Vorname', use 'weiblicher'.
Opposites Attract
Learn 'weiblich' and 'männlich' together. They are almost always used as a pair in forms and descriptions.
The 'd' in m/w/d
Remember that modern German documents include 'divers' for non-binary individuals. This is a recent and important change.
Style vs. Biology
Use 'feminin' for a dress or a perfume, but 'weiblich' for a medical report or a census form.
Soft 'ch'
The 'ch' at the end is soft, like in 'ich'. Don't pronounce it like 'k' or a hard 'h'.
Formal Forms
When filling out a form, you don't need an ending. Just write 'weiblich' in the box.
Scientific Context
In science, 'weiblich' is the only correct term. 'Feminin' would sound strange in a biology paper.
Groups
To describe a group of women, use 'weibliche Teilnehmer' (female participants).
Root Word
Be careful with the root 'Weib'. It's okay in the adjective 'weiblich', but the noun 'Weib' is usually best avoided.
Visualizing
Visualize a form with three boxes: M, W, D. This is the most common place you will see the word.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'Wife' (English) -> 'Weib' -> 'Weiblich'. A wife is female.
Origen de la palabra
Middle High German 'wīplīch', Old High German 'wīblīh'.
Contexto cultural
The word 'Weib' was once the standard word for woman (like 'wife'), but shifted in the 18th century.
Use 'weiblich' for facts, but 'Frau' for people. Never call a woman 'ein Weib'.
The 'Frauenquote' (women's quota) is a common topic using this adjective.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Inicios de conversación
"Glaubst du, es gibt typisch weibliche Berufe?"
"Wie wichtig ist die weibliche Quote in Firmen?"
"Hast du ein weibliches Vorbild?"
"Ist dieser Vorname in deinem Land männlich oder weiblich?"
"Gibt es in deiner Sprache auch weibliche Artikel?"
Temas para diario
Beschreibe eine starke weibliche Person in deinem Leben.
Was bedeutet 'Weiblichkeit' für dich persönlich?
Sollte die Sprache mehr weibliche Formen verwenden?
Reflektiere über weibliche Rollenbilder in deiner Kultur.
Wie hat sich die Rolle der weiblichen Angestellten verändert?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, 'weiblich' is a neutral and polite adjective used for biological sex and gender characteristics. It is the standard term in German.
'Weiblich' is factual and biological. 'Feminin' is often used for grammatical gender or to describe a style that is graceful and feminine.
Generally no, unless you are describing specific biological traits or using it in a derogatory way (though 'weibisch' is the specific derogatory term).
You usually just say 'Ärztin'. You only use 'weibliche Ärztin' if you want to emphasize the gender specifically.
Yes, it is the standard way to describe the sex of an animal (e.g., ein weibliches Kaninchen).
It stands for 'männlich, weiblich, divers' and is used in job advertisements to be inclusive of all genders.
No, it is an adjective. The noun is 'Weiblichkeit' (femininity).
Yes, that is the stem. However, it takes adjective endings like -e, -er, -en, etc., depending on the sentence.
Yes, etymologically. But while 'Weib' can be offensive today, 'weiblich' is perfectly neutral.
Not exactly. 'Damenhaft' is the word for 'ladylike'. 'Weiblich' is just 'female'.
Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'weiblich' for factual, biological, or administrative descriptions of the female sex. Remember to apply correct adjective endings and distinguish it from 'feminin' (style/grammar) and 'fraulich' (physical maturity).
- Weiblich is the standard German adjective for 'female', used in biological, social, and administrative contexts.
- It is the direct antonym of 'männlich' (male) and is essential for filling out official German forms.
- Grammatically, it requires standard adjective endings based on the noun it modifies (e.g., eine weibliche Person).
- While 'feminin' is used for style or grammar, 'weiblich' is the more neutral, factual term for biological sex.
Check the Ending
Always look at the noun following 'weiblich'. If it's 'die Person', use 'weibliche'. If it's 'der Vorname', use 'weiblicher'.
Opposites Attract
Learn 'weiblich' and 'männlich' together. They are almost always used as a pair in forms and descriptions.
The 'd' in m/w/d
Remember that modern German documents include 'divers' for non-binary individuals. This is a recent and important change.
Style vs. Biology
Use 'feminin' for a dress or a perfume, but 'weiblich' for a medical report or a census form.
Ejemplo
Sie ist eine weibliche Führungskraft in einem traditionellen Unternehmen.
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Más palabras de general
ab
A1A partir de; desde. 'A partir de las ocho estamos allí.' (Ab acht Uhr sind wir da.)
abends
A2Por la tarde/noche. 'Leo por las noches.'
aber
A1La palabra 'aber' significa 'pero'. Se usa para conectar dos ideas que contrastan.
abgelegen
B1remote
ablehnen
A2Rechazar o declinar una oferta. El juez rechazó la petición.
abschließen
A2Cerrar algo con llave. Finalizar formalmente unos estudios o firmar un contrato o seguro.
abseits
A2Abseits significa que algo está lejos del área principal o del camino habitual.
acht
A1El número ocho (8).
Achte
A1Octavo (número ordinal).
achten
A2Prestar atención a algo (con 'auf') o respetar a alguien.
