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die Kernfamilie

A2 noun #7,000 가장 일반적인 9분 분량

die Kernfamilie

상위 7,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 die Kernfamilie 30초 만에

설명 die Kernfamilie in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn basic words like 'Vater', 'Mutter', and 'Kind'. The word 'Kernfamilie' might be a bit too advanced for your first few weeks, but it is very helpful to understand. Think of it as the 'small family'. It means just the people who usually live in one house together: the parents and their children. At this level, you don't need to use it in complex sentences. Just remember that 'Kern' means 'middle' or 'center'. So, 'Kernfamilie' is the center of your family. You can say: 'Das ist meine Kernfamilie.' This is easier than listing every person. In Germany, most people you meet in big cities live in a 'Kernfamilie' or alone. It is a good word to recognize when you read a simple text about German people. You can also remember that it is 'die' (feminine) because 'Familie' is always feminine. This is a great rule for all compound words ending in 'Familie'. Even if the word is long, the end tells you the gender. So, 'die Kernfamilie', 'die Großfamilie', 'die Patchworkfamilie'—they are all feminine! This makes your grammar much easier to manage as a beginner.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to describe your life and your environment in more detail. 'Die Kernfamilie' is a key vocabulary item for the topic 'Mensch und Gemeinschaft' (People and Community). You should be able to explain who belongs to a 'Kernfamilie'. For example: 'Eine Kernfamilie besteht aus den Eltern und den Kindern.' You can also compare it to your own situation: 'Ich komme aus einer großen Familie, aber jetzt lebe ich in einer Kernfamilie.' At this level, you should also notice how the word changes in different cases. If you say 'mit der Kernfamilie' (with the nuclear family), the 'die' changes to 'der' because of the dative case. This is a common pattern for feminine nouns. You will often see this word in your textbook when talking about 'Wohnformen' (ways of living). It helps you distinguish between living with just your parents and living with your grandparents or other relatives. Knowing this word shows that you have a more 'native-like' vocabulary than someone who only knows the word 'Familie'. It is also useful for reading simple newspaper articles or advertisements for family events, which often mention 'Angebote für die Kernfamilie' (offers for the nuclear family).

As a B1 learner, you should use 'die Kernfamilie' to discuss social trends and express your opinion. You might be asked: 'Ist die Kernfamilie noch das Ideal in Ihrem Land?' (Is the nuclear family still the ideal in your country?). To answer this, you need to use the word accurately. You can discuss the advantages, like 'Privatsphäre' (privacy), and the disadvantages, like 'Isolation'. You should also be comfortable using the plural 'Kernfamilien' and the genitive case. For example: 'Die Probleme vieler Kernfamilien in der Großstadt sind der Platzmangel und die hohen Mieten.' (The problems of many nuclear families in the city are lack of space and high rents). At B1, you are expected to understand more abstract concepts. You can talk about the 'Wandel der Kernfamilie' (the change of the nuclear family). You might also encounter this word in official documents or during a 'Beratungsgespräch' (counseling session). It is a professional-sounding word that elevates your spoken German from 'basic' to 'intermediate'. You should also know related terms like 'Erziehungsberechtigte' (legal guardians) which often appear in the same context as 'Kernfamilie' in school letters or official forms.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, 'die Kernfamilie' becomes a tool for sociological analysis. You will use it in essays and presentations to compare different family models. You should be able to discuss the 'historische Entwicklung der Kernfamilie' (historical development of the nuclear family) and how it replaced the 'Großfamilie' during the industrialization. You will likely read complex texts that critique the 'Leitbild der Kernfamilie' (the guiding image of the nuclear family). In B2 exams like Telc or Goethe, you might have to argue for or against certain family policies. Using 'Kernfamilie' allows you to be precise. You can distinguish between 'biologische Kernfamilie' and 'soziale Kernfamilie'. You should also be aware of the political nuances; for instance, how different political parties in Germany view the 'Schutz der Kernfamilie' (protection of the nuclear family). Your vocabulary should also include sophisticated collocations like 'die bürgerliche Kernfamilie' or 'die Erosion der Kernfamilie'. You should be able to understand and use the word in the context of 'demografischer Wandel' (demographic change). This level requires you to move beyond the literal definition and understand the cultural 'baggage' the word carries in German-speaking societies.

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For C1 learners, 'die Kernfamilie' is a term you should use with stylistic precision. You are expected to understand the nuances between 'Kernfamilie', 'Kleinfamilie', and 'Gattenfamilie'. You might encounter this term in academic papers on sociology, psychology, or history. At this level, you should be able to analyze the 'Funktionsverlust der Kernfamilie' (loss of function of the nuclear family) in modern welfare states. In a C1-level discussion, you could use the word to talk about 'Individualisierungsprozesse' (individualization processes) and how they affect the stability of the 'Kernfamilie'. You should be able to use the word in complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or subjunctive II: 'Es wäre wünschenswert, wenn die Kernfamilie stärker entlastet würde.' (It would be desirable if the nuclear family were given more support). You will also notice that in high-level literature or journalism (like in 'Die Zeit' or 'Der Spiegel'), the term is often used to discuss the 'Krise der Kernfamilie'. You should be able to follow these debates and contribute using high-level synonyms and related concepts like 'Subsidiaritätsprinzip' (the principle of subsidiarity), which often concerns the role of the family in relation to the state.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'die Kernfamilie'. You understand its place in the history of German ideas. You can discuss the 'bürgerliche Kernfamilie' as a 19th-century construct and how it shaped German law (BGB). You are capable of reading dense sociological theory, such as the works of Niklas Luhmann or Max Weber, where the family unit is analyzed as a 'System'. You can use the word in highly formal, academic, or legal contexts without hesitation. For example, you might analyze how the 'Kernfamilie' is defined in the 'Grundgesetz' (Basic Law) under Article 6. You can engage in debates about 'Post-Kernfamilie-Gesellschaften' and use the term to highlight very specific demographic anomalies. Your use of the word is not just about the definition, but about the 'Konnotationen' (connotations) it evokes—tradition, stability, but also potential claustrophobia or social exclusion. You can use the word ironically or metaphorically in literary critiques. At this level, the word is just one small piece in a vast web of social, legal, and historical knowledge that you can navigate fluently.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

die Kernfamilie 30초 만에

Refers specifically to parents and children.
Common in sociological and formal contexts.
Contrasts with extended or blended families.
Feminine noun: 'die Kernfamilie'.

The German noun die Kernfamilie is a compound word consisting of 'Kern' (core or nucleus) and 'Familie' (family). In its most literal sense, it refers to the basic social unit consisting of two parents and their dependent children. This term is foundational in German sociology and everyday discussions about social structures. While the concept of family has expanded significantly in the 21st century, the term Kernfamilie remains the benchmark against which other forms, such as Patchwork-Familien (blended families) or Großfamilien (extended families), are often compared. In Germany, the rise of the Kernfamilie is closely tied to the industrial revolution and urbanization, which moved people away from large rural households toward smaller, more mobile urban units.

Sociological Context: In academic and statistical contexts, such as those provided by the Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis), the Kernfamilie is often used to track demographic shifts, such as the declining birth rate or the increase in single-parent households.

In der modernen Soziologie wird oft diskutiert, ob die Kernfamilie als Modell noch zeitgemäß ist.

When you use this word, you are often making a distinction between the immediate household and the broader network of relatives like grandparents, aunts, and uncles. It is a neutral, descriptive term, though in some political debates, it can carry a conservative or 'traditional' connotation. Understanding this word is crucial for A2 learners because it helps navigate conversations about personal life, living arrangements, and social values in German-speaking countries.

Viele Urlaubsangebote sind speziell auf die Kernfamilie zugeschnitten.

In daily life, Germans might not say 'Kernfamilie' when talking to friends—they would just say 'meine Familie'—but they will use it when explaining their living situation to an official, writing a formal essay, or discussing social trends.

Demographic Usage: The term is frequently used in news reports regarding 'Kindergeld' (child benefit) or 'Elterngeld' (parental allowance) to define the eligible unit.

Während der Pandemie durften sich oft nur Mitglieder aus der Kernfamilie treffen.

Das Ideal der Kernfamilie prägte die westdeutsche Gesellschaft der 1950er Jahre sehr stark.

Contrast: Contrast this with 'Verwandtschaft', which refers to all relatives regardless of where they live.

Eine Kernfamilie besteht meist aus Vater, Mutter und Kindern.

Historically, the term gained traction as the 'extended family' (Großfamilie) became less common in urbanized West Germany. It implies a specific spatial and emotional intimacy that is distinct from the broader clan. Today, discussions about the Kernfamilie often involve its resilience or its transformation into diverse forms like 'Regenbogenfamilien' (rainbow families).

Using die Kernfamilie correctly requires understanding its gender (feminine) and how it fits into the four German cases. Because it is a feminine noun, the articles change from 'die' (Nominative/Accusative) to 'der' (Genitive/Dative). For example, if you are talking about the members of the family, you use the genitive: 'Die Mitglieder der Kernfamilie'. If you are talking about something belonging to the family, you might say: 'Das Haus der Kernfamilie'.

Nominative Usage: The subject of the sentence. 'Die Kernfamilie ist die kleinste soziale Einheit.' (The nuclear family is the smallest social unit.)

Heutzutage ist die Kernfamilie oft räumlich von den Großeltern getrennt.

When describing actions performed by or on the family, ensure the verb agreement is singular, even though a family consists of multiple people. 'Die Kernfamilie wohnt' (not 'wohnen').

Accusative Usage: The direct object. 'Die Regierung möchte die Kernfamilie finanziell unterstützen.' (The government wants to support the nuclear family financially.)

Wir betrachten die Kernfamilie als Basis unserer Gesellschaft.

Dative Usage: Often used after prepositions like 'aus' or 'mit'. 'Sie stammt aus einer traditionellen Kernfamilie.' (She comes from a traditional nuclear family.)

In der Kernfamilie finden Kinder ihren ersten Halt.

Man schenkt der Kernfamilie oft viel Aufmerksamkeit in der Politik.

Zwischen den Mitgliedern der Kernfamilie besteht meist eine enge Bindung.

In academic writing, you will see it used with adjectives like 'klassisch' (classic), 'intakt' (intact), or 'isoliert' (isolated). 'Die isolierte Kernfamilie' is a common sociological trope describing families that have lost touch with their wider community. When constructing complex sentences, remember that 'Kernfamilie' can be the start of a compound: 'Kernfamilienmodell' (nuclear family model). Practice using it in the plural to talk about social trends: 'Viele Kernfamilien in Großstädten haben keine Verwandten in der Nähe.' This highlights the isolation often felt by modern urban families in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

You are most likely to encounter die Kernfamilie in formal settings rather than over a casual dinner. If you watch a documentary on 'Das Erste' (ARD) or 'ZDF' about German society, the narrator will almost certainly use this term to describe demographic changes. It is a staple of the 'Tagesschau' (news program) when reporting on census data or tax reforms like 'Ehegattensplitting'.

News & Media: Journalists use it to distinguish between various household types. For instance, 'Die Zahl der Kernfamilien in Deutschland sinkt kontinuierlich.'

In den Nachrichten hieß es, dass die Kernfamilie immer kleiner wird.

Another common place is in educational contexts. If you are taking a 'Integrationskurs' or a German language course at a 'Volkshochschule' (VHS), the curriculum for level A2 and B1 includes family structures. Teachers use 'Kernfamilie' to teach students how to describe their own family trees.

Im Soziologie-Unterricht haben wir über die Vor- und Nachteile der Kernfamilie gesprochen.

In the workplace, particularly in HR or when discussing 'Work-Life-Balance', the term might come up in the context of 'Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Kernfamilie' (compatibility of career and nuclear family). It sounds more professional and precise than just saying 'Kinder'.

Political Debates: Politicians from parties like the CDU/CSU often emphasize the importance of the 'Kernfamilie' as the 'Keimzelle der Gesellschaft' (the germ cell of society).

Politiker diskutieren oft über die Förderung der Kernfamilie.

Das Modell der Kernfamilie wird in Großstädten immer seltener.

You might also hear it in psychological contexts, where therapists discuss the 'Dynamik innerhalb der Kernfamilie'. This implies that the focus is strictly on the interactions between parents and children, excluding the influence of external relatives. Finally, in marketing, especially for insurance or travel, 'Kernfamilie' is a technical term used to define who is covered under a single policy or who qualifies for a 'Familienrabatt' (family discount). If you hear 'Dieses Angebot gilt nur für die Kernfamilie', it means you can't bring your cousin or your grandma on that cheap ticket!

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is assuming die Kernfamilie is used as commonly in speech as 'nuclear family' is in English sociological texts. While 'nuclear family' sounds a bit clinical in English, Kernfamilie is even more formal in German. If you are at a party and someone asks about your family, saying 'Ich lebe in einer Kernfamilie' sounds like you are reading from a textbook. Instead, say 'Ich wohne mit meinen Eltern und Geschwistern zusammen'.

Confusion with 'Großfamilie': Learners sometimes confuse 'Kernfamilie' with 'Großfamilie'. Remember: Kern = Small/Core. Groß = Big/Extended.

Falsch: Meine Oma gehört zu meiner Kernfamilie. (Richtig: Meine Oma gehört zu meiner Verwandtschaft.)

Another mistake is the gender and pluralization. Since 'Familie' is feminine, many learners accidentally use 'der' in the nominative because they think of 'the core' (der Kern) which is masculine. However, in German compounds, the gender is always determined by the last word. Therefore, it is die Kernfamilie.

Literal Translation Errors: Do not translate 'nuclear family' as 'Atomfamilie'. While 'Kern' can mean 'nuclear' (as in 'Kernenergie'), 'Atomfamilie' does not exist in German.

Man sollte nicht Kernfamilie sagen, wenn man eigentlich den gesamten Familienkreis meint.

Ein häufiger Fehler ist die Verwendung von der Kernfamilie im Plural ohne das 'n' (Kernfamilie vs. Kernfamilien).

Vermeiden Sie es, die Kernfamilie mit der 'Patchwork-Familie' gleichzusetzen; letztere umfasst auch Kinder aus früheren Beziehungen.

Lastly, avoid using 'Kernfamilie' to describe a group of close friends. While in English we might say 'they are my core family' metaphorically, in German, 'Kernfamilie' is strictly biological or legal. For close friends, use 'Wahlfamilie' (family of choice).

To truly master die Kernfamilie, you must know its neighbors in the German vocabulary. The most direct alternative in less formal contexts is simply die Kleinfamilie (small family). While 'Kernfamilie' emphasizes the structural 'core', 'Kleinfamilie' emphasizes the size.

Kleinfamilie vs. Kernfamilie: 'Kleinfamilie' is more common in advertisements and casual conversation. 'Kernfamilie' is the scientific term. Both usually mean parents + children.

Anstatt Kernfamilie kann man im Alltag oft 'Kleinfamilie' sagen.

Then there is die Großfamilie (extended family). Historically, this was the norm in Germany, where multiple generations lived under one roof. Today, a 'Großfamilie' often refers to a family with many children (e.g., four or more), or the inclusion of grandparents.

Patchwork-Familie: This modern term describes families where at least one parent has brought a child from a previous relationship into the new unit. It is the opposite of the 'traditional' Kernfamilie.

Eine Kernfamilie unterscheidet sich deutlich von einer Patchwork-Familie.

Ein-Eltern-Familie: This refers to single-parent households. While technically a 'core', the term 'Kernfamilie' usually implies the presence of two parents in traditional definitions.

Viele Alleinerziehende fühlen sich vom Begriff Kernfamilie ausgeschlossen.

In der Statistik wird oft zwischen Kernfamilie und Einpersonenhaushalt unterschieden.

Der Begriff Kernfamilie ist präziser als das allgemeine Wort 'Haushalt'.

Lastly, die Sippe is an old-fashioned, sometimes derogatory, or strictly anthropological term for a larger kin group. You should avoid 'Sippe' unless you are joking with very close friends or studying ancient Germanic tribes. In modern German life, if you are not talking about your 'Kernfamilie', you are likely talking about your 'Verwandtschaft' (relatives) or your 'Bekanntenkreis' (circle of acquaintances). Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the right level of formality and precision in your German communication.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'Kern' is related to 'corn' in English, but in German, it specifically refers to the hard center of a fruit or the essence of something.

발음 가이드

UK /ˈkɛʁnfamiːliə/

US /ˈkɛrnfɑːmiːliə/

Primary stress on the first syllable: KERN-familie.

라임이 맞는 단어

Petersilie Lilie Vigilie Reptilien Exilien Domicilie Basilien Brasilien

자주 하는 실수

Stressing the second part: kern-fa-MIL-ie (Incorrect).
Pronouncing 'Kern' like the English 'corn' (Incorrect).
Missing the final 'e' sound.
Pronouncing 'ie' as two sounds instead of a long 'i'.
Rolling the 'r' too hard in northern German dialects.

난이도

독해 3/5

The word is long but easy to break down into 'Kern' and 'Familie'.

쓰기 4/5

Remembering the double 'n' in 'Kern' and the feminine endings is key.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if you know 'Familie'.

듣기 3/5

Easily recognizable in news and educational podcasts.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

die Familie der Kern der Vater die Mutter das Kind

다음에 배울 것

die Großfamilie die Verwandtschaft der Haushalt die Ehe die Erziehung

고급

die Sozialisationsinstanz das Subsidiaritätsprinzip der Demografische Wandel die Ein-Eltern-Familie die Patchwork-Familie

알아야 할 문법

Compound Noun Gender

die Kern + die Familie = die Kernfamilie (Last word determines gender).

Feminine Dative Case

In der Kernfamilie (die changes to der).

Genitive Case for Possession

Das Auto der Kernfamilie (of the family).

Plural Formation

Die Kernfamilien (add -n).

Adjective Ending (Weak)

Die kleine Kernfamilie (after definite article).

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

Das ist meine Kernfamilie.

This is my nuclear family.

Nominative case, feminine singular.

Meine Kernfamilie ist klein.

My nuclear family is small.

Adjective 'klein' describes the noun.

Ich liebe meine Kernfamilie.

I love my nuclear family.

Accusative case after 'lieben'.

Wo wohnt deine Kernfamilie?

Where does your nuclear family live?

Question with 'wo' and singular verb.

Meine Kernfamilie hat vier Personen.

My nuclear family has four people.

Using 'haben' to describe composition.

Ist das eine Kernfamilie?

Is that a nuclear family?

Interrogative sentence.

Die Kernfamilie isst zusammen.

The nuclear family eats together.

Present tense singular.

Sie ist Teil einer Kernfamilie.

She is part of a nuclear family.

Genitive case 'einer Kernfamilie'.

In Deutschland ist die Kernfamilie sehr verbreitet.

In Germany, the nuclear family is very common.

Adjective 'verbreitet' (common/widespread).

Wir machen Urlaub mit der Kernfamilie.

We are going on vacation with the nuclear family.

Dative case after 'mit'.

Gehört deine Oma zur Kernfamilie?

Does your grandma belong to the nuclear family?

Verb 'gehören zu' + dative.

Die Kernfamilie besteht aus Eltern und Kindern.

The nuclear family consists of parents and children.

Verb 'bestehen aus' + dative.

Oft wohnen Kernfamilien in Wohnungen.

Often nuclear families live in apartments.

Plural 'Kernfamilien'.

Meine Kernfamilie zieht nächste Woche um.

My nuclear family is moving next week.

Separable verb 'umziehen'.

Er beschreibt seine Kernfamilie im Aufsatz.

He describes his nuclear family in the essay.

Accusative possessive 'seine'.

Viele Kernfamilien haben einen Hund.

Many nuclear families have a dog.

Plural subject.

Früher war die Großfamilie wichtiger als die Kernfamilie.

In the past, the extended family was more important than the nuclear family.

Comparison using 'als'.

Die Politik sollte die Kernfamilie mehr unterstützen.

Politics should support the nuclear family more.

Modal verb 'sollte' (subjunctive II for suggestion).

In einer Kernfamilie gibt es oft weniger Konflikte.

In a nuclear family, there are often fewer conflicts.

'Es gibt' + accusative.

Trotz der Kernfamilie bleiben wir mit den Onkeln in Kontakt.

Despite the nuclear family, we stay in touch with the uncles.

Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.

Das Modell der Kernfamilie hat sich stark verändert.

The model of the nuclear family has changed significantly.

Perfect tense with 'hat verändert'.

Nicht jeder fühlt sich in einer Kernfamilie wohl.

Not everyone feels comfortable in a nuclear family.

Reflexive verb 'sich wohlfühlen'.

Die Kernfamilie bietet Kindern einen geschützten Raum.

The nuclear family offers children a protected space.

Dative object 'Kindern'.

Sie leben als Kernfamilie in einer Großstadt.

They live as a nuclear family in a big city.

'Als' used for roles/status.

Die soziologische Definition der Kernfamilie ist eindeutig.

The sociological definition of the nuclear family is clear.

Genitive 'der Kernfamilie'.

Kritiker behaupten, die Kernfamilie sei isoliert.

Critics claim the nuclear family is isolated.

Konjunktiv I for indirect speech ('sei').

Das Ideal der Kernfamilie prägt unsere Vorstellungen von Glück.

The ideal of the nuclear family shapes our ideas of happiness.

Verb 'prägen' (to shape/mold).

Viele soziale Leistungen sind auf die Kernfamilie zugeschnitten.

Many social benefits are tailored to the nuclear family.

Passive-like construction 'zugeschnitten sein'.

Die Kernfamilie steht oft unter großem wirtschaftlichem Druck.

The nuclear family is often under great economic pressure.

Preposition 'unter' + dative.

Man unterscheidet zwischen der Kernfamilie und der erweiterten Familie.

One distinguishes between the nuclear family and the extended family.

Verb 'unterscheiden zwischen' + dative.

Die Kernfamilie fungiert als primäre Sozialisationsinstanz.

The nuclear family functions as the primary socialization instance.

Academic register.

In Krisenzeiten rückt die Kernfamilie oft näher zusammen.

In times of crisis, the nuclear family often draws closer together.

Figurative use of 'zusammenrücken'.

Die Erosion der Kernfamilie ist ein kontroverses Thema.

The erosion of the nuclear family is a controversial topic.

Noun-noun genitive construction.

Die Kernfamilie wird zunehmend durch alternative Lebensformen ergänzt.

The nuclear family is increasingly being supplemented by alternative lifestyles.

Passive voice with 'wird ergänzt'.

Die Kernfamilie ist ein Produkt der industriellen Moderne.

The nuclear family is a product of industrial modernity.

Historical context.

Es gibt eine Diskrepanz zwischen dem Wunschbild und der Realität der Kernfamilie.

There is a discrepancy between the ideal and the reality of the nuclear family.

High-level vocabulary 'Diskrepanz'.

Rechtlich gesehen genießt die Kernfamilie besonderen Schutz.

Legally speaking, the nuclear family enjoys special protection.

Adverbial phrase 'Rechtlich gesehen'.

Die Kernfamilie kann auch ein Ort der Unterdrückung sein.

The nuclear family can also be a place of oppression.

Abstract concept.

Man muss die ökonomischen Voraussetzungen der Kernfamilie analysieren.

One must analyze the economic prerequisites of the nuclear family.

Complex noun 'Voraussetzungen'.

Die Kernfamilie ist eng mit dem Konzept der bürgerlichen Ehe verknüpft.

The nuclear family is closely linked to the concept of bourgeois marriage.

Participle 'verknüpft'.

Die Kernfamilie als Keimzelle der Gesellschaft ist ein tief verwurzeltes Narrativ.

The nuclear family as the germ cell of society is a deeply rooted narrative.

Metaphorical language.

Inwiefern die Kernfamilie den Anforderungen der Spätmoderne gerecht wird, bleibt abzuwarten.

To what extent the nuclear family meets the demands of late modernity remains to be seen.

Indirect question with 'inwiefern'.

Die Privatisierung des Familiären in der Kernfamilie birgt psychosoziale Risiken.

The privatization of family life within the nuclear family carries psychosocial risks.

Verb 'bergen' (to carry/hide a risk).

Die Kernfamilie konstituiert sich durch spezifische emotionale Bindungskräfte.

The nuclear family constitutes itself through specific emotional bonding forces.

Reflexive academic verb 'konstituieren'.

Die Hegemonie der Kernfamilie wird durch die Pluralisierung der Lebensstile herausgefordert.

The hegemony of the nuclear family is challenged by the pluralization of lifestyles.

Sociological terminology 'Hegemonie'.

Die Kernfamilie ist kein statisches Gebilde, sondern unterliegt stetigem Wandel.

The nuclear family is not a static entity but is subject to constant change.

Verb 'unterliegen' + dative.

Man kann die Kernfamilie nicht losgelöst von staatlichen Institutionen betrachten.

The nuclear family cannot be viewed in isolation from state institutions.

Participle 'losgelöst'.

Die Idealisierung der Kernfamilie verstellt oft den Blick auf prekäre Lebensverhältnisse.

The idealization of the nuclear family often obscures the view of precarious living conditions.

Verb 'verstellen' (to block/obscure).

동의어

Kleinfamilie Gattenfamilie Zweigenerationenhaushalt Hausgemeinschaft Privathaushalt Eltern-Kind-Gemeinschaft Hausstand Lebensgemeinschaft

반의어

Großfamilie Einpersonenhaushalt Patchwork-Familie Sippe

자주 쓰는 조합

klassische Kernfamilie

intakte Kernfamilie

isolierte Kernfamilie

bürgerliche Kernfamilie

Modell der Kernfamilie

Mitglieder der Kernfamilie

Schutz der Kernfamilie

Erosion der Kernfamilie

traditionelle Kernfamilie

Förderung der Kernfamilie

자주 쓰는 구문

Zur Kernfamilie gehören...

— Used to list the members of the family.

Zur Kernfamilie gehören Vater, Mutter und Kind.

In der Kernfamilie leben

— To live within that specific family structure.

Ich lebe gerne in einer Kernfamilie.

Das Ende der Kernfamilie

— A dramatic phrase used in debates about social change.

Manche prophezeien das Ende der Kernfamilie.

Die Kernfamilie als Basis

— Viewing the family as the foundation of society.

Die Kernfamilie dient als Basis für die Erziehung.

Innerhalb der Kernfamilie

— Refers to things happening inside the family circle.

Innerhalb der Kernfamilie gibt es klare Regeln.

Abkehr von der Kernfamilie

— Moving away from the nuclear family model.

Wir beobachten eine Abkehr von der Kernfamilie.

Rückzug in die Kernfamilie

— Withdrawing into the private family sphere.

In unsicheren Zeiten gibt es einen Rückzug in die Kernfamilie.

Die Kernfamilie entlasten

— To provide support (usually financial) to the family.

Steuersenkungen sollen die Kernfamilie entlasten.

Die Kernfamilie idealisieren

— To view the nuclear family as perfect or better than it is.

Werbung idealisiert oft die Kernfamilie.

Kernfamilie und Beruf

— The balance between family life and work.

Die Vereinbarkeit von Kernfamilie und Beruf ist schwierig.

자주 혼동되는 단어

die Kernfamilie vs Großfamilie

Großfamilie includes grandparents and more; Kernfamilie is just parents and kids.

die Kernfamilie vs Kleinfamilie

Very similar, but Kleinfamilie is less formal and focuses on size.

die Kernfamilie vs Sippe

Sippe is an old word for clan; Kernfamilie is modern and structural.

관용어 및 표현

"Blut ist dicker als Wasser"

— Family ties are stronger than other relationships.

Auch in der Kernfamilie gilt: Blut ist dicker als Wasser.

Common

"Die Keimzelle der Gesellschaft"

— The fundamental building block of society (often used for the nuclear family).

Die Kernfamilie ist die Keimzelle der Gesellschaft.

Formal/Political

"Sich im Schoße der Familie fühlen"

— To feel safe and warm within the family circle.

In seiner Kernfamilie fühlte er sich geborgen.

Literary

"Den Haussegen schief hängen haben"

— To have an argument in the family.

In der Kernfamilie hängt der Haussegen oft schief.

Informal

"Wie die Orgelpfeifen"

— Children of different heights standing together.

Die Kinder der Kernfamilie stehen da wie die Orgelpfeifen.

Humorous

"In der Familie bleiben"

— Something (like a secret or money) stays within the group.

Das Geld sollte in der Kernfamilie bleiben.

Neutral

"Ganz der Vater / Ganz die Mutter"

— Looking or acting exactly like a parent.

Der Sohn der Kernfamilie ist ganz der Vater.

Common

"Aus gutem Hause kommen"

— To come from a respected, often wealthy, nuclear family.

Sie kommt aus einer Kernfamilie aus gutem Hause.

Formal

"Ein Nest bauen"

— To start a family and set up a home.

Die junge Kernfamilie möchte sich ein Nest bauen.

Metaphorical

"Jemanden in die Familie aufnehmen"

— To welcome someone as if they were a core member.

Sie haben ihn herzlich in ihre Kernfamilie aufgenommen.

Neutral

혼동하기 쉬운

die Kernfamilie vs Kernenergie

Both start with 'Kern'.

'Kern' here means nuclear/atomic energy, nothing to do with family.

Kernenergie ist gefährlich.

die Kernfamilie vs Kerngehäuse

Both start with 'Kern'.

This is the core of an apple.

Iss das Kerngehäuse nicht mit.

die Kernfamilie vs Familienkreis

Related to family.

Familienkreis is more emotional and can include anyone close.

Wir feiern im engsten Familienkreis.

die Kernfamilie vs Haushalt

People living together.

A household can be roommates; a Kernfamilie must be parents and children.

Unser Haushalt ist sehr sparsam.

die Kernfamilie vs Verwandtschaft

Related people.

Verwandtschaft is everyone (uncles, cousins); Kernfamilie is only the center.

Meine ganze Verwandtschaft kommt zum Fest.

문장 패턴

Das ist [Possessive] Kernfamilie.

Das ist meine Kernfamilie.

Ich lebe in einer [Adjective] Kernfamilie.

Ich lebe in einer kleinen Kernfamilie.

Die Kernfamilie besteht aus [Dative].

Die Kernfamilie besteht aus drei Personen.

Das Modell der Kernfamilie ist [Adjective].

Das Modell der Kernfamilie ist umstritten.

Aufgrund der [Genitive] verändert sich die Kernfamilie.

Aufgrund der Globalisierung verändert sich die Kernfamilie.

Trotz [Genitive] bleibt die Kernfamilie bestehen.

Trotz aller Krisen bleibt die Kernfamilie bestehen.

Inwiefern die Kernfamilie [Verb]...

Inwiefern die Kernfamilie den sozialen Wandel überlebt, ist fraglich.

Die Kernfamilie als [Noun]...

Die Kernfamilie als gesellschaftliches Konstrukt.

어휘 가족

명사

der Kern

die Familie

die Familienmitglieder

die Familienplanung

der Familienstand

동사

familieren (rare)

verfamilien (non-standard)

형용사

familiär

familienfreundlich

familienintern

사용법

frequency

Common in formal contexts, rare in casual slang.

자주 하는 실수

der Kernfamilie (Nominative) → die Kernfamilie
Learners think 'Kern' (masculine) determines the gender, but it's always the last word 'Familie' (feminine).
Ich lebe in Kernfamilie. → Ich lebe in einer Kernfamilie.
You need an article (indefinite or definite) before the noun.
Meine Kernfamilie sind groß. → Meine Kernfamilie ist groß.
Even though a family has many people, the noun 'Kernfamilie' is singular. Use 'ist'.
Die Atomfamilie → Die Kernfamilie
Don't translate 'nuclear' as 'Atom'. In a social context, 'nuclear' is 'Kern'.
Kernfamilie vs Kleinfamilie confusion → Context dependent.
Using 'Kernfamilie' at a dinner party sounds too academic. Use 'meine Familie'.

팁

Gender Rule

Always remember: die Kernfamilie. The gender comes from 'die Familie'. This applies to all family-related compounds.

Core Concept

Think of the 'Kern' as the seed. The family grows from this core. It helps you remember that it's the smallest unit.

Stress the First Part

In German compounds, the first word is stressed. Say KERN-familie, not kern-fa-MIL-ie.

Formal Situations

Use this word in exams or when filling out forms. It sounds more precise and educated than just 'Familie'.

Genitive Practice

It's a great word to practice the genitive: 'Das Wohl der Kernfamilie'. This shows high-level language skills.

News Keywords

When you hear 'Demografie', listen for 'Kernfamilie'. They are often used together in news reports.

Social Changes

Understand that in Germany, the 'Kernfamilie' is becoming less common in big cities like Berlin or Hamburg.

Apple Mnemonic

An apple has a 'Kern'. A family has a 'Kern'. It's the center that matters.

Kern vs. Groß

Always contrast it with 'Großfamilie' to fix the meaning in your head. Small core vs. big extension.

Avoid literal translations

Never say 'Atomfamilie' for nuclear family. It sounds like a family made of atoms!

암기하기

기억법

Think of an apple. The 'Kern' is the core. The 'Kernfamilie' is the core of your relatives.

시각적 연상

Imagine a small circle (the Kernfamilie) inside a much larger circle (the Verwandtschaft).

Word Web

Vater Mutter Kind Haus Zusammenhalt Haushalt Erziehung Liebe

챌린지

Try to describe your own 'Kernfamilie' using only three adjectives. For example: 'Meine Kernfamilie ist lustig, laut und klein.'

어원

A compound of 'Kern' (Old High German 'kern' meaning seed or kernel) and 'Familie' (from Latin 'familia' meaning household servants/family).

원래 의미: The 'core' or 'seed' of the household.

Germanic (Kern) + Romance (Familie).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using 'Kernfamilie' as the only definition of 'normal' family, as it can exclude single parents or blended families.

In English-speaking countries, 'nuclear family' sounds scientific. In German, 'Kernfamilie' is also formal but is the standard term for this structure.

The TV show 'Dark' features several 'Kernfamilien' in the town of Winden. The classic 'Tatort' detectives often have troubled 'Kernfamilien'. Sociologists like Ulrich Beck have written about the 'Risiko-Kernfamilie'.

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실제 사용 상황

At School

Zeichne deine Kernfamilie.
Wer gehört dazu?
Beschreibe dein Zuhause.
Hast du Geschwister?

In the News

Statistiken zur Kernfamilie.
Steuern für Familien.
Kindergeld beantragen.
Wohnungsnot für Familien.

At the Doctor

Krankheiten in der Kernfamilie.
Erbkrankheiten.
Wer ist versichert?
Notfallkontakt.

In Sociology Class

Strukturwandel der Familie.
Traditionelle Rollenbilder.
Die Funktion der Familie.
Moderne Lebensformen.

Travel Agency

Rabatte für die Kernfamilie.
Zimmer für vier Personen.
Familienpass.
Inklusive Kinderbetreuung.

대화 시작하기

"Wie wichtig ist die Kernfamilie in deiner Kultur?"

"Glaubst du, dass die Kernfamilie heute noch das Ideal ist?"

"Was sind die größten Herausforderungen für eine Kernfamilie?"

"Lebst du lieber in einer Kernfamilie oder in einer Großfamilie?"

"Wie hat sich die Kernfamilie in den letzten 50 Jahren verändert?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe deine eigene Kernfamilie und was sie besonders macht.

Reflektiere über die Vor- und Nachteile des Lebens in einer Kernfamilie.

Stelle dir vor, wie die Kernfamilie in 100 Jahren aussehen könnte.

Schreibe über eine berühmte Kernfamilie aus einem Buch oder Film.

Diskutiere, ob der Staat die Kernfamilie finanziell mehr fördern sollte.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

A Kernfamilie (nuclear family) is a household unit consisting of two parents and their children. It does not include grandparents, aunts, or uncles living in the same house.

In strict sociological terms, some define it as having two parents. However, in modern usage, a single parent and child are often called an 'Ein-Eltern-Kernfamilie'.

It is feminine (die Kernfamilie). Even though 'Kern' is masculine, the last part 'Familie' determines the gender.

Use 'Kleinfamilie' in casual talk or when you just want to say the family is small. Use 'Kernfamilie' when you are being more formal or descriptive about the structure.

Technically no, but many people emotionally include their pets in their 'Kernfamilie'.

No, it is a neutral descriptive term. However, some feel it excludes other valid family forms like blended families.

The plural is 'die Kernfamilien'.

Yes, it is the standard term in all German-speaking countries.

It is a family where parents have children from previous partners. It is often contrasted with the 'traditional' Kernfamilie.

No, that would be 'Wahlfamilie' (family of choice). Kernfamilie is for biological or legal parents and children.

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