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B1 adjective #7,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

blutsverwandt

Top 7,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces blutsverwandt en 30 secondes

Explication blutsverwandt in your Level:

At the A1 level, you likely won't need the word 'blutsverwandt' very often. You will start by learning simple family words like 'Mutter' (mother), 'Vater' (father), and 'Bruder' (brother). You might learn the basic word 'verwandt' (related). However, knowing 'blutsverwandt' helps you understand that German likes to combine words. 'Blut' means blood and 'verwandt' means related. So, it means 'blood-related'. You can use it to say someone is your 'real' brother or sister by birth. Just remember: 'Ich bin mit ihm verwandt' is enough for now, but 'blutsverwandt' is more specific about the biological link.

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At the A2 level, you are expanding your vocabulary about family and relationships. You might encounter 'blutsverwandt' when talking about family trees or heritage. It is a useful word to distinguish between people you are related to by birth and people you are related to by marriage (like your 'Schwager' or 'Schwiegermutter'). If you are filling out a form or talking about your ancestors, this word might appear. Remember that it is an adjective, so it changes its ending if it comes before a noun: 'meine blutsverwandte Tante'. In most cases, you can still use 'verwandt', but 'blutsverwandt' makes you sound more precise.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to understand and use 'blutsverwandt' in specific contexts. This level requires you to handle common situations in German-speaking countries, such as medical appointments or basic legal discussions. If a doctor asks about your 'blutsverwandte Familie', they want to know about genetic history. You should also know the difference between 'blutsverwandt' and 'verschwägert' (related by marriage). Using 'blutsverwandt' shows that you can distinguish between different types of family bonds. It is also common in intermediate reading texts about social changes and 'Patchwork-Familien'.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'blutsverwandt' with confidence in formal and technical discussions. You should understand its implications in the German legal system (Erbrecht) and be able to discuss complex family dynamics. You might use it to debate the importance of biological versus social ties in modern society. At this level, you should also be comfortable with the preposition 'mit' and the dative case that follows it. You should also recognize it in literature or news reports about genealogy and DNA testing. It is a key term for expressing nuance in personal history.

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At the C1 level, 'blutsverwandt' is part of your precise vocabulary for academic or professional settings. You might use it in a sociological essay or a legal argument. You should be aware of the historical and cultural connotations of 'blood' in German history and how this word fits into that context. You can use it to make fine distinctions in meaning, contrasting it with terms like 'Wahlverwandtschaft' (elective affinity) or 'soziale Elternschaft'. Your use of the word should be grammatically flawless, including complex attributive constructions in various cases and genders.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'blutsverwandt'. You understand its place in the history of the German language and its use in high literature (e.g., Kleist or Kafka). You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'Blutsverwandtschaft' versus other forms of human connection. You are able to use the word in highly specialized contexts, such as evolutionary biology or constitutional law, with total precision. You also recognize archaic or poetic variations and can use the word to create specific stylistic effects in your own writing or speech.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

blutsverwandt en 30 secondes

Blutsverwandt means being related by blood or biology. It identifies people who share a common ancestor and genetic material within a family tree.
It is a compound of 'Blut' (blood) and 'verwandt' (related), used to distinguish biological relatives from in-laws or adopted family members.
Commonly used in medical, legal, and genealogical contexts in Germany, it carries specific weight in inheritance law and genetic health history.
Grammatically, it is an adjective that follows standard declension and is typically used with the preposition 'mit' (e.g., 'mit jemandem blutsverwandt sein').

The German adjective blutsverwandt is a compound word formed from 'Blut' (blood) and 'verwandt' (related). In its most literal sense, it describes a biological connection between individuals who share a common ancestor. Unlike the broader term 'verwandt', which can encompass relationships by marriage (affinity) or adoption, blutsverwandt specifically highlights the genetic link. In German culture, where precision in family terminology is often valued, this word serves as a crucial distinction in legal, medical, and genealogical contexts. For instance, when discussing inheritance laws (Erbrecht), the degree of 'Blutsverwandtschaft' (consanguinity) determines the order of succession. In a medical setting, a doctor might ask if a patient is 'blutsverwandt' with someone who has a hereditary disease to assess risk factors. Beyond technicalities, the word carries a certain weight of permanence; while marriages can end in divorce, being 'blutsverwandt' is an immutable biological fact. It is frequently used in literature and drama to heighten the tension between characters who are bound by blood but separated by conflict.

Biological Context: Refers to individuals sharing DNA through a common progenitor, such as siblings, parents, or cousins.
Legal Context: Used in the 'Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch' (BGB) to define rights of inheritance and maintenance obligations.
Social Context: Often used to emphasize the strength of a bond, as seen in the proverb 'Blut ist dicker als Wasser'.

Obwohl sie sich kaum kannten, fühlten sie sich sofort verbunden, da sie blutsverwandt waren.

When using this word, one must be careful not to sound overly clinical unless the situation warrants it. In casual conversation, Germans might simply say 'wir sind verwandt', but if they want to clarify that they are not 'verschwägert' (related by marriage), they will use 'blutsverwandt'. It is an essential term for anyone navigating the complexities of German genealogy or family law. Furthermore, it appears in historical discussions about dynasties and noble lineages, where 'blaublütig' (blue-blooded) and 'blutsverwandt' often intersected. In modern usage, it remains a pillar of the German vocabulary for describing the fundamental architecture of human relationships. The word reflects a deep-seated linguistic habit of compounding nouns to create precise categories of meaning, a hallmark of the German language's efficiency and descriptive power.

Die DNA-Analyse bestätigte, dass die beiden Männer tatsächlich blutsverwandt sind.

Sind Sie mit dem Verstorbenen blutsverwandt? fragte der Notar.

In vielen Kulturen ist die Ehe zwischen eng blutsverwandten Personen untersagt.

Sie ist meine blutsverwandte Tante, nicht die Frau meines Onkels.

Using blutsverwandt correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an adjective. It can be used predicatively, following verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain), or attributively, where it precedes a noun and takes an ending. For example, 'Wir sind blutsverwandt' (We are blood-related) is a simple predicative use. In contrast, 'Meine blutsverwandten Geschwister' (My blood-related siblings) demonstrates attributive use with the plural ending '-en'. The word is most effective when contrasting biological family with legal or social family. If you are talking about your step-mother, you are 'verwandt' but not 'blutsverwandt'. This distinction is vital in formal writing, such as legal documents or scientific reports. In these contexts, you might see phrases like 'eng blutsverwandt' (closely blood-related) or 'entfernt blutsverwandt' (distantly blood-related).

Predicative Use: Subject + sein + blutsverwandt. Example: 'Sie sind nicht blutsverwandt.'
Attributive Use: Adjective + Noun. Example: 'Ein blutsverwandter Erbe hat Vorrang.'
Comparative/Superlative: While rare, one could theoretically say 'näher blutsverwandt' (more closely blood-related).

In everyday speech, the word can sometimes sound slightly formal or clinical. If a German person says, 'Er ist mein blutsverwandter Bruder,' they are usually making a specific point—perhaps they also have a step-brother or an adopted brother and want to be absolutely clear about the biological relationship. It is also common in discussions about organ donation, where 'blutsverwandte Spender' (blood-related donors) are often preferred due to genetic compatibility. When constructing sentences, pay attention to the preposition 'mit' (with). You are 'blutsverwandt MIT jemandem' (blood-related TO/WITH someone). This is a common stumbling block for English speakers who might want to use 'zu'. Always remember: 'Ich bin mit ihr blutsverwandt.'

Es ist wichtig zu wissen, ob der Spender mit dem Empfänger blutsverwandt ist.

Alle blutsverwandten Angehörigen wurden zur Testamentseröffnung eingeladen.

Sind wir eigentlich blutsverwandt oder nur über Ecken verwandt?

You are most likely to encounter blutsverwandt in specific professional or formal environments. In a lawyer's office (beim Anwalt) or at a notary (beim Notar), the term is standard for discussing family trees and inheritance. Germany has strict laws regarding the 'Pflichtteil' (mandatory portion of an inheritance), which primarily concerns 'blutsverwandte' descendants. Another common place is the doctor's office (beim Arzt). During an 'Anamnese' (medical history check), a physician might ask about 'blutsverwandte' relatives to identify hereditary patterns for conditions like cancer or heart disease. In the world of genealogy and hobby-historians, the word is ubiquitous. If you visit a 'Standesamt' (registry office) to research your ancestors, you will see this term in official records to distinguish between biological children and those legally integrated into a family through other means.

TV & Media: Crime dramas (Krimis) often use it when DNA evidence links a suspect to a crime scene through a relative.
Literature: Classic German literature explores the 'Blutsbande' (blood ties) between characters, using 'blutsverwandt' to underscore tragic fate.

In modern social discourse, the word appears in debates about identity and family structures. As 'Patchwork-Familien' (blended families) become more common in Germany, the distinction between 'blutsverwandt' and 'sozial verwandt' (socially related) is often discussed in sociology and psychology. You might hear it in a documentary about the European royalty, where 'blutsverwandte' marriages were historically common to keep power within a dynasty. Even in casual settings, if someone is explaining a complex family situation—like having a half-sibling—they might say, 'Er ist mein blutsverwandter Bruder, aber wir sind nicht zusammen aufgewachsen.' This clarifies the biological reality despite a lack of shared social history. Finally, in the context of the 'Grundgesetz' (German Basic Law), the protection of the family often hinges on these biological definitions, making 'blutsverwandt' a word with significant constitutional weight.

Der Arzt fragte: 'Gibt es in Ihrer blutsverwandten Familie Fälle von Diabetes?'

In dem Krimi stellte sich heraus, dass der Mörder mit dem Opfer blutsverwandt war.

The most frequent mistake learners make is using blutsverwandt when they simply mean 'related' (verwandt). While 'blutsverwandt' is always a form of being 'verwandt', the reverse is not true. If you refer to your husband's sister as 'blutsverwandt', you are biologically incorrect unless you happen to be cousins as well. The correct term for relatives by marriage is 'verschwägert'. Another common error involves the preposition. Many English speakers translate 'related TO' literally as 'verwandt ZU', but in German, it must be 'verwandt MIT'. Thus, 'Ich bin mit ihm blutsverwandt' is the only correct form. Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 'blutsverwandt' with 'leiblich'. While 'leiblich' (biological) is often used for parents and children (leibliche Eltern), 'blutsverwandt' is the broader term for the entire genetic lineage.

Confusion with 'Verschwägert': Mistake: Calling your in-laws 'blutsverwandt'. Correction: They are 'verschwägert'.
Preposition Error: Mistake: 'Blutsverwandt zu mir'. Correction: 'Blutsverwandt mit mir'.
Overuse: Mistake: Using it in every family context. Correction: Use 'verwandt' for general cases.

Another subtle mistake is ignoring the declension. Since 'blutsverwandt' is an adjective, it must agree with the noun it modifies. 'Ein blutsverwandter Onkel' (masculine nominative) vs. 'Eine blutsverwandte Tante' (feminine nominative). Some learners treat it as an unchangeable adverb, which it is not. Also, avoid using 'blutverwandt' (without the 's'). While some dialects might drop the 's', the standard High German (Hochdeutsch) form requires the 'Fugen-s' to connect 'Blut' and 'verwandt'. Finally, be careful with the word 'leiblich'. You can have a 'leiblicher Vater', but you wouldn't usually say 'blutsverwandter Vater' because the biological connection is already implied in the word 'leiblich'. 'Blutsverwandt' is better suited for more distant or general biological connections.

Falsch: Ich bin blutverwandt zu meiner Schwiegermutter.

Richtig: Ich bin mit meiner Tante blutsverwandt.

To enrich your German vocabulary, it is helpful to understand the synonyms and related terms for blutsverwandt. The most common alternative is the simple adjective 'verwandt'. While less specific, it is used in 90% of daily conversations. If you want to emphasize the biological nature of the relationship, 'biologisch verwandt' is a modern and very common alternative, especially in scientific or social discussions. Another important word is 'leiblich', which specifically means 'biological' or 'of one's own body'. This is almost exclusively used for immediate family: 'leibliche Kinder' (biological children) or 'leibliche Eltern' (biological parents). You would rarely say 'leibliche Cousins'; in that case, 'blutsverwandt' is much more appropriate.

Verwandt: General term for any relative, including those by marriage or adoption.
Verschwägert: Related by marriage (in-laws). The opposite of blutsverwandt in terms of origin.
Leiblich: Biological; usually refers to the direct line (parents/children).
Ebenbürtig: Of equal birth/rank; historically related to bloodlines in nobility.

In a more formal or poetic register, you might encounter 'voneinander abstammend' (descending from one another) or 'aus demselben Geblüt' (of the same blood/lineage). These are rare in speech but common in literature. Conversely, if you want to express that someone is NOT blood-related but feels like family, you might use 'Wahlverwandtschaft' (elective affinity), a term famously coined by Goethe. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact level of precision needed for your context. For example, in a legal dispute over an inheritance, 'blutsverwandt' is the required technical term, whereas at a family reunion, 'wir sind alle verwandt' is more natural and inclusive. By mastering these distinctions, you move from basic communication to nuanced, native-like expression.

Sind Sie verwandt oder verschwägert? (Are you related by blood or by marriage?)

Sie haben keine leiblichen Kinder, aber viele Adoptivkinder.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In Old German, 'verwandt' was used for people who were 'turned toward' each other in a legal or social contract, not just family. The 'blood' part was added later to clarify biological ties as opposed to social ones.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈbluːtsfɛɐ̯ˌvant/

US /ˈblutsfɛrˌvɑnt/

Stress is on the first syllable: BLUTS-verwandt.

Rime avec

verwandt bekannt Sand Land Hand Rand Band Wand Verstand

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'v' as 'v' instead of 'f'.
Forgetting the 's' in the middle (saying 'blutverwandt').
Pronouncing 'dt' at the end like 'd' (it should be a sharp 't').
Making the 'u' too short.
Stress on the second syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'Blut' and 'verwandt'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct declension and the 's' connector.

Expression orale 4/5

Pronunciation of 'v' as 'f' and the 'dt' ending can be tricky.

Écoute 3/5

Clear word, but easily confused with 'verwandt' in fast speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Blut verwandt Familie Mutter Vater

Apprends ensuite

verschwägert leiblich Stammbaum Erbe Nachkomme

Avancé

Blutsverwandtschaft Ahnentafel Erbfolge Konsanguinität

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Declension

Ein blutsverwandt**er** Onkel, eine blutsverwandt**e** Tante.

Preposition 'mit' + Dative

Ich bin mit mein**em** Bruder blutsverwandt.

Compound Nouns with Fugen-s

Blut + s + verwandt.

Predicative vs. Attributive Use

Wir sind blutsverwandt (pred) vs. Die blutsverwandten Kinder (attr).

Negation with 'nicht' or 'kein'

Wir sind nicht blutsverwandt. Er hat keine blutsverwandten Kinder.

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Exemples par niveau

Er ist mein blutsverwandter Bruder.

He is my blood-related brother.

Attributive use with masculine nominative ending -er.

Sind wir blutsverwandt?

Are we blood-related?

Predicative use, no ending.

Meine Mutter und ich sind blutsverwandt.

My mother and I are blood-related.

Simple sentence with 'sein'.

Das ist meine blutsverwandte Tante.

That is my blood-related aunt.

Attributive use with feminine nominative ending -e.

Wir sind nicht blutsverwandt.

We are not blood-related.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Ist er mit dir blutsverwandt?

Is he blood-related to you?

Use of 'mit' + dative 'dir'.

Sie sind eng blutsverwandt.

They are closely blood-related.

Adverb 'eng' modifying the adjective.

Blut ist dicker als Wasser.

Blood is thicker than water.

Common proverb related to the concept.

Ich habe viele blutsverwandte Cousins.

I have many blood-related cousins.

Plural accusative ending -e.

Bist du mit dem Baby blutsverwandt?

Are you blood-related to the baby?

Dative after 'mit'.

Wir sind nur über Ecken blutsverwandt.

We are only distantly blood-related.

Idiom 'über Ecken' (distantly).

Sie ist keine blutsverwandte Verwandte.

She is not a blood-related relative.

Feminine nominative with 'keine'.

Mein Onkel ist mit mir blutsverwandt.

My uncle is blood-related to me.

Prepositional phrase 'mit mir'.

Gibt es blutsverwandte Geschwister?

Are there blood-related siblings?

Plural nominative.

Er sucht seine blutsverwandten Eltern.

He is looking for his blood-related parents.

Plural accusative with 'seine'.

Sind Sie mit der Zeugin blutsverwandt?

Are you blood-related to the witness?

Formal address 'Sie'.

In der Medizin ist es wichtig, ob man blutsverwandt ist.

In medicine, it is important whether one is blood-related.

Subordinate clause with 'ob'.

Blutsverwandte Spender sind oft die beste Wahl.

Blood-related donors are often the best choice.

Plural nominative adjective.

Sie sind zwar verwandt, aber nicht blutsverwandt.

They are indeed related, but not blood-related.

Contrast using 'zwar... aber'.

Das Erbe geht an den nächsten blutsverwandten Angehörigen.

The inheritance goes to the next blood-related relative.

Dative masculine singular after 'an den'.

Wir müssen prüfen, ob sie wirklich blutsverwandt sind.

We must check if they are really blood-related.

Modal verb 'müssen'.

Er hat keine blutsverwandten Nachkommen.

He has no blood-related descendants.

Plural accusative with 'keine'.

Ist die Tante mütterlicherseits blutsverwandt?

Is the maternal aunt blood-related?

Adverb 'mütterlicherseits'.

Die beiden Familien sind seit Generationen blutsverwandt.

The two families have been blood-related for generations.

Present tense with 'seit' for ongoing states.

Die rechtliche Definition von 'blutsverwandt' ist eindeutig.

The legal definition of 'blood-related' is clear.

Genitive case 'von' + dative noun.

Obwohl sie blutsverwandt sind, haben sie keinen Kontakt.

Although they are blood-related, they have no contact.

Concession clause with 'obwohl'.

Die Studie untersuchte nur eng blutsverwandte Paare.

The study examined only closely blood-related couples.

Adjectival phrase modifying 'Paare'.

Es besteht ein blutsverwandtes Verhältnis zwischen ihnen.

There is a blood-related relationship between them.

Neuter nominative with 'ein'.

Können blutsverwandte Personen einander rechtlich vertreten?

Can blood-related persons legally represent each other?

Interrogative with modal verb.

Die Blutsverwandtschaft spielt im Erbrecht eine zentrale Rolle.

Blood relation plays a central role in inheritance law.

Noun form 'Blutsverwandtschaft'.

Er lehnte es ab, gegen seinen blutsverwandten Bruder auszusagen.

He refused to testify against his blood-related brother.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Sie sind blutsverwandt, teilen aber keine gemeinsamen Werte.

They are blood-related but share no common values.

Coordinating conjunction 'aber'.

Die ontologische Frage, was es bedeutet, blutsverwandt zu sein, ist komplex.

The ontological question of what it means to be blood-related is complex.

Abstract noun 'Frage' with relative clause.

Die biologische Notwendigkeit, nicht mit eng Blutsverwandten zu prokreieren, ist bekannt.

The biological necessity of not procreating with close blood relatives is well-known.

Substantivized adjective 'Blutsverwandten'.

In dynastischen Strukturen war es üblich, blutsverwandte Ehen zu schließen.

In dynastic structures, it was common to contract blood-related marriages.

Historical context.

Die Abgrenzung zwischen blutsverwandten und sozialen Bindungen verschwimmt.

The distinction between blood-related and social bonds is blurring.

Parallelism with 'zwischen'.

Trotz ihrer Blutsverwandtschaft fühlten sie sich einander fremd.

Despite their blood relation, they felt like strangers to each other.

Genitive with 'trotz'.

Die genetische Distanz zwischen entfernt blutsverwandten Individuen variiert.

The genetic distance between distantly blood-related individuals varies.

Participle construction.

Er berief sich auf seine blutsverwandte Pflicht, der Familie zu helfen.

He invoked his blood-related duty to help the family.

Reflexive verb 'sich berufen auf'.

Die Implikationen einer rein blutsverwandten Definition von Familie sind umstritten.

The implications of a purely blood-related definition of family are controversial.

Genitive plural.

Die sakrosankte Natur der Blutsverwandtschaft wurde in der Moderne dekonstruiert.

The sacrosanct nature of blood relation has been deconstructed in modernity.

Passive voice with 'wurde'.

Inwiefern die Blutsverwandtschaft das Individuum prägt, bleibt ein psychologisches Rätsel.

To what extent blood relation shapes the individual remains a psychological mystery.

Indirect question with 'inwiefern'.

Die rechtliche Privilegierung blutsverwandter Erben steht oft in der Kritik.

The legal privileging of blood-related heirs is often criticized.

Compound noun 'Privilegierung'.

Die Tragik vieler Mythen wurzelt in der Unausweichlichkeit blutsverwandter Konflikte.

The tragedy of many myths is rooted in the inevitability of blood-related conflicts.

Verb 'wurzeln in' + dative.

Die genealogische Rekonstruktion blutsverwandter Linien erfordert akribische Recherche.

The genealogical reconstruction of blood-related lines requires meticulous research.

Adjective 'akribisch'.

Man kann die soziokulturelle Bedeutung der Blutsverwandtschaft kaum überschätzen.

One can hardly overestimate the socio-cultural significance of blood relation.

Modal verb 'kann' with 'kaum'.

Die biologische Determination durch blutsverwandte Merkmale ist ein Kernthema der Genetik.

Biological determination through blood-related traits is a core theme of genetics.

Prepositional phrase with 'durch'.

Es ist ein Trugschluss zu glauben, dass blutsverwandte Bindungen per se stärker sind.

It is a fallacy to believe that blood-related bonds are per se stronger.

Noun 'Trugschluss'.

Collocations courantes

eng blutsverwandt

entfernt blutsverwandt

mit jemandem blutsverwandt sein

blutsverwandte Angehörige

blutsverwandte Nachkommen

direkt blutsverwandt

nicht blutsverwandt

tatsächlich blutsverwandt

blutsverwandte Spender

blutsverwandte Erben

Phrases Courantes

Wir sind blutsverwandt.

— We are related by blood. A simple statement of biological fact.

Keine Sorge, wir sind blutsverwandt, ich bin sein Cousin.

Sind Sie blutsverwandt?

— Are you blood-related? A common question in legal or medical settings.

Der Notar fragte: 'Sind Sie blutsverwandt?'

Eng blutsverwandte Personen.

— Closely blood-related persons. Refers to immediate family.

Eng blutsverwandte Personen dürfen in Deutschland nicht heiraten.

Keine blutsverwandten Bindungen.

— No blood ties. Used to describe a lack of biological connection.

Trotz fehlender blutsverwandter Bindungen liebte er sie wie eine Tochter.

Blutsverwandt in gerader Linie.

— Blood-related in a direct line (parents, children, etc.).

Sie sind in gerader Linie blutsverwandt.

Blutsverwandt in der Seitenlinie.

— Blood-related in a collateral line (siblings, cousins).

Onkel und Neffen sind in der Seitenlinie blutsverwandt.

Nur blutsverwandt, nicht befreundet.

— Only related by blood, not friends. Emphasizes lack of social bond.

Wir sind nur blutsverwandt, wir haben uns nichts zu sagen.

Die Suche nach blutsverwandten Wurzeln.

— The search for blood-related roots (biological heritage).

Ihre Suche nach blutsverwandten Wurzeln führte sie nach Polen.

Blutsverwandte Verpflichtungen.

— Obligations arising from blood relation.

Er fühlte sich durch blutsverwandte Verpflichtungen gebunden.

Ein blutsverwandtes Band.

— A blood tie/bond. Often used figuratively in literature.

Ein blutsverwandtes Band hielt sie zusammen.

Souvent confondu avec

blutsverwandt vs verschwägert

Verschwägert is related by marriage, blutsverwandt is by birth.

blutsverwandt vs verwandt

Verwandt is the general term; blutsverwandt is the specific biological term.

blutsverwandt vs leiblich

Leiblich is usually for parents/children; blutsverwandt is for the whole tree.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Blut ist dicker als Wasser"

— Family ties (blood relations) are stronger than any other relationships.

Am Ende half er ihm doch, denn Blut ist dicker als Wasser.

informal/proverb

"Das liegt im Blut"

— Something is hereditary or natural to someone's character.

Das Musizieren liegt ihm im Blut, sein Vater war auch Geiger.

neutral

"Böses Blut machen"

— To cause ill will or resentment between people (often family).

Der Streit ums Erbe hat viel böses Blut gemacht.

neutral

"Sein eigen Fleisch und Blut"

— One's own child or very close blood relative.

Wie kannst du dein eigen Fleisch und Blut so behandeln?

emotional/literary

"Blutsbrüderschaft schließen"

— To become 'blood brothers' (a symbolic bond).

Als Kinder haben sie Blutsbrüderschaft geschlossen.

informal

"Frisches Blut"

— New members or new energy in a group (figurative).

Die Firma braucht dringend frisches Blut.

neutral

"Blaues Blut haben"

— To be of noble or royal descent.

Sie behauptet, blaues Blut in den Adern zu haben.

neutral

"In Fleisch und Blut übergehen"

— To become second nature through practice.

Nach zehn Jahren ist ihm das Autofahren in Fleisch und Blut übergegangen.

neutral

"Ruhiges Blut bewahren"

— To stay calm in a stressful situation.

In der Krise muss man ruhiges Blut bewahren.

neutral

"Bis aufs Blut"

— To the extreme or until someone is hurt (usually figurative).

Sie bekämpften sich bis aufs Blut.

neutral

Facile à confondre

blutsverwandt vs verwandt

They both mean 'related'.

Verwandt includes in-laws and adoption. Blutsverwandt is only biological.

Wir sind alle verwandt, aber nur wir zwei sind blutsverwandt.

blutsverwandt vs verschwägert

Both describe family ties.

Verschwägert is 'by marriage'. Blutsverwandt is 'by blood'.

Meine Schwiegermutter ist verschwägert, meine Mutter blutsverwandt.

blutsverwandt vs leiblich

Both mean 'biological'.

Leiblich is used for the closest circle (parents/children). Blutsverwandt is for any distance.

Er ist mein leiblicher Vater und somit mein blutsverwandter Vorfahre.

blutsverwandt vs gebürtig

Relates to birth.

Gebürtig refers to where you were born. Blutsverwandt refers to who you are related to.

Er ist gebürtiger Spanier, aber mit Deutschen blutsverwandt.

blutsverwandt vs wesensverwandt

Sounds similar.

Wesensverwandt is about personality/spirit. Blutsverwandt is about DNA.

Wir sind zwar nicht blutsverwandt, aber wesensverwandt.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] + sein + blutsverwandt.

Wir sind blutsverwandt.

[Subject] + sein + mit + [Dative Person] + blutsverwandt.

Er ist mit mir blutsverwandt.

[Possessive] + blutsverwandte(r/s) + [Noun].

Mein blutsverwandter Onkel kommt heute.

Obwohl [Subject] blutsverwandt sind, ...

Obwohl sie blutsverwandt sind, hassen sie sich.

Die [Noun] der blutsverwandten [Noun] ...

Die Rechte der blutsverwandten Erben sind geschützt.

Die ontologische Bedeutung des blutsverwandten Seins ...

Die ontologische Bedeutung des blutsverwandten Seins ist fraglich.

Sind Sie mit [Person] blutsverwandt?

Sind Sie mit dem Verstorbenen blutsverwandt?

Ich habe [Number] blutsverwandte [Noun].

Ich habe drei blutsverwandte Geschwister.

Famille de mots

Noms

Die Blutsverwandtschaft

Das Blut

Der Verwandte

Die Verwandtschaft

Verbes

verwenden (related historically)

verwandeln (distantly related root)

Adjectifs

verwandt

blutig

unverwandt

Apparenté

Blutlinie

Blutsbande

Stammbaum

Genetik

Erbgut

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in specific domains (law, medicine, genealogy), rare in casual coffee talk.

Erreurs courantes

Ich bin blutsverwandt zu ihm. → Ich bin mit ihm blutsverwandt.
German uses the preposition 'mit' + dative for relationships, not 'zu'.
Meine blutverwandte Tante. → Meine blutsverwandte Tante.
Missing the linking 's' between the two parts of the compound word.
Calling a brother-in-law 'blutsverwandt'. → Calling him 'verschwägert'.
A brother-in-law is related by marriage, not by blood.
Using 'blutsverwandt' for an adopted child. → Using 'adoptiert' or 'rechtlich verwandt'.
Adoption creates a legal bond, but 'blutsverwandt' is strictly biological.
Wir sind blutsverwandte. → Wir sind blutsverwandt.
When used predicatively (after 'sein'), adjectives in German do not take an ending.

Astuces

Watch the 's'

Always include the 's' between 'Blut' and 'verwandt'. It's a compound word that requires this linking sound in standard German.

Legal Precision

In legal contexts, 'blutsverwandt' is essential. Don't use 'verwandt' if you specifically mean biological heirs, as 'verwandt' could include in-laws.

Genealogy Hint

If you're doing family research in Germany, look for this word in old records to confirm biological children versus step-children.

Preposition Match

Always pair 'blutsverwandt' with 'mit'. Example: 'Ich bin mit ihr blutsverwandt.' Using 'zu' is a common English-speaker mistake.

Doctor's Visits

Expect to hear this word during medical history checks. It's the standard way to ask about hereditary conditions.

Distinguish In-laws

Use 'blutsverwandt' to clarify you're talking about your 'real' aunt (your father's sister) rather than your 'aunt by marriage' (your uncle's wife).

Avoid Overuse

In casual conversation, 'verwandt' is usually enough. Use 'blutsverwandt' only when the biological distinction is actually relevant.

Crisp Endings

The 'dt' at the end of 'verwandt' sounds like a sharp 't'. Make sure to pronounce it clearly to sound like a native speaker.

Blood-S-Related

Think of the 's' as standing for 'shared'. 'Blood-Shared-Related'. It helps you remember the spelling and the meaning.

Citizenship History

Understanding 'blutsverwandt' helps you understand the old German concept of citizenship based on ancestry (bloodline).

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Blood' + 'Want' (though it sounds like 'vandt'). You share blood because you were 'wanted' in the family tree. Or simply: Blood-Related = Bluts-Verwandt.

Association visuelle

Imagine a red blood cell (Blut) holding hands with a family member (verwandt). The 's' in the middle is the bridge connecting them.

Word Web

Blut Verwandtschaft Genetik Familie Erbe Stammbaum DNA Vorfahren

Défi

Try to explain your entire family tree using 'blutsverwandt' for biological ties and 'verschwägert' for in-laws. Do this for at least 5 relatives.

Origine du mot

A compound of 'Blut' (blood) and 'verwandt' (related). 'Blut' comes from Old High German 'bluot'. 'Verwandt' is the past participle of 'verwenden', which originally meant 'to turn towards' or 'to associate with'.

Sens originel : Originally, 'verwandt' meant being turned toward the same thing or belonging to the same group. Adding 'Blut' specified that this group is defined by common descent.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when discussing 'blood' in a German historical context (e.g., 'Blut und Boden'), as it was co-opted by Nazi ideology. Stick to the modern genealogical/legal use of 'blutsverwandt'.

In English, we usually just say 'blood-related' or 'biological'. The German term is used slightly more frequently in formal/legal contexts.

Goethe's 'Die Wahlverwandtschaften' (Elective Affinities) explores the tension between blood ties and chosen bonds. The Brothers Grimm stories often feature 'blutsverwandte' siblings facing trials together. German Civil Code (BGB) § 1589 defines 'Verwandtschaft' primarily through blood.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Medical History

Gibt es blutsverwandte Fälle?
Sind Sie blutsverwandt?
Genetische Belastung in der blutsverwandten Linie.
Blutsverwandte Spendersuche.

Legal/Inheritance

Blutsverwandte Erben erster Ordnung.
Der blutsverwandte Pflichtteil.
Nachweis der Blutsverwandtschaft.
Kein blutsverwandter Nachkomme vorhanden.

Genealogy

Meine blutsverwandten Ahnen.
Suche nach blutsverwandten Verwandten.
Die blutsverwandte Linie verfolgen.
Ein blutsverwandter Zweig des Stammbaums.

Social/Family

Wir sind eng blutsverwandt.
Nur blutsverwandt, nicht verschwägert.
Meine blutsverwandte Schwester.
Blutsverwandte Bindungen stärken.

Crime/Forensics

Der Täter ist blutsverwandt mit dem Opfer.
DNA-Abgleich mit blutsverwandten Personen.
Blutsverwandte Spuren am Tatort.
Identifizierung durch blutsverwandte Profile.

Amorces de conversation

"Wusstest du, dass wir eigentlich blutsverwandt sind?"

"Ist dein bester Freund eigentlich mit dir blutsverwandt oder nur ein Namensvetter?"

"Wie wichtig ist es dir, dass deine Familie blutsverwandt ist?"

"Hast du schon mal einen DNA-Test gemacht, um blutsverwandte Ahnen zu finden?"

"Glaubst du, dass blutsverwandte Bindungen stärker sind als soziale?"

Sujets d'écriture

Reflektiere über den Unterschied zwischen deinen blutsverwandten und deinen sozialen Familienmitgliedern.

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der die Tatsache, dass du mit jemandem blutsverwandt bist, wichtig war.

Was bedeutet das Sprichwort 'Blut ist dicker als Wasser' für dich persönlich?

Stelle dir vor, du findest einen blutsverwandten Verwandten, von dem du nichts wusstest. Wie würdest du reagieren?

Diskutiere die Rolle der Blutsverwandtschaft in modernen Patchwork-Familien.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'blutsverwandt' specifically refers to biological ties. Adopted children are 'rechtlich verwandt' (legally related) but not 'blutsverwandt'. In a family context, they are simply called children, but in medical or legal contexts, the distinction is made.

'Verwandt' is a broad term covering all relatives, including those by marriage. 'Blutsverwandt' is narrow and only includes those who share a common biological ancestor. For example, your cousin is blutsverwandt, but your cousin's wife is only 'verschwägert'.

Technically yes, if you are talking about animal breeding or genetics (e.g., 'zwei blutsverwandte Hunde'). However, it is most commonly used for human relationships. For animals, 'reinrassig' or 'aus derselben Zucht' might be more common depending on the context.

Yes, it is a very common proverb in Germany, just like in English. It emphasizes that family (blood) relations are more important or permanent than friendships or other social bonds.

You can use 'der/die Blutsverwandte'. Since it is a substantivized adjective, it follows adjective declension: 'ein Blutsverwandter', 'die Blutsverwandte', 'viele Blutsverwandte'.

The correct standard High German spelling is 'blutsverwandt' with an 's'. This 's' is a linking element (Fugen-s) common in German compounds. While you might hear 'blutverwandt' in some dialects, it is considered incorrect in formal writing.

Use 'leiblich' when referring specifically to parents, children, or siblings to emphasize the biological bond (e.g., 'leibliche Mutter'). Use 'blutsverwandt' for the wider family tree or when you need a general adjective for biological relation.

No, it is a neutral, descriptive term. However, in historical contexts, the emphasis on 'blood' can sometimes evoke 19th-century or early 20th-century racial theories, so it is best used in its modern medical, legal, or genealogical sense.

The most direct opposite regarding family ties is 'verschwägert' (related by marriage). More generally, you could say 'unverwandt' (not related) or 'fremd' (stranger).

It is less common than 'verwandt'. You usually only hear it when someone needs to be specific about a biological link, such as when explaining a complex family situation or in a professional setting like a doctor's office.

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