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die Schwiegereltern

A2 noun #4,000 가장 일반적인 10분 분량

die Schwiegereltern

상위 4,000

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 die Schwiegereltern 30초 만에

설명 die Schwiegereltern in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about family members. You know 'Mutter' (mother), 'Vater' (father), and 'Eltern' (parents). 'Schwiegereltern' is an extension of this. Think of it as 'parents plus marriage.' In A1, you mostly use this word to introduce people or state simple facts. For example: 'Das sind meine Schwiegereltern.' You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that the word is plural, so you always use 'die' or 'meine' (with an -e at the end). It is one of the longer words you will learn early on, but since it is made of two parts ('Schwieger' + 'eltern'), it is actually quite easy to remember if you know 'Eltern.' You will use it when talking about your family tree or your partner's family. Always use plural verbs like 'sind' (are) or 'wohnen' (live). Imagine you are showing a photo to a friend; you point and say, 'Meine Schwiegereltern wohnen in Berlin.' This is the perfect A1 usage.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the A2 level, you begin to talk about social activities and your daily life in more detail. 'Schwiegereltern' becomes very important when discussing your weekend plans or holidays. You should be able to use the word in the Accusative case (which looks the same as Nominative: 'Ich besuche meine Schwiegereltern') and start practicing the Dative case. For example, 'Ich helfe meinen Schwiegereltern' (I help my parents-in-law). At A2, you should also know the individual components: 'die Schwiegermutter' and 'der Schwiegervater.' You might describe them with simple adjectives: 'Meine Schwiegereltern sind sehr freundlich.' You will also encounter this word in the context of 'Einladungen' (invitations). You might write a simple text like: 'Am Sonntag kommen meine Schwiegereltern zum Kaffee.' Understanding the possessive pronouns (meine, deine, seine, ihre) in relation to this word is a key A2 goal. If your spouse is male, you talk about 'seine Schwiegereltern' (meaning your parents!), but usually, you talk about 'meine Schwiegereltern' (meaning his parents).

By B1, you are expected to handle more complex social situations and express opinions. You will use 'Schwiegereltern' to discuss the dynamics of your relationship. Are they supportive? Do they interfere? You might say, 'Obwohl meine Schwiegereltern weit weg wohnen, telefonieren wir oft.' (Although my parents-in-law live far away, we talk on the phone often). You should be comfortable with all four cases. The Genitive case ('Das Haus meiner Schwiegereltern') should start appearing in your writing. You will also learn about cultural expectations in Germany, such as the importance of 'Pünktlichkeit' (punctuality) when visiting the in-laws. B1 learners should also be aware of the 'Du/Sie' distinction. You might explain, 'Ich sieze meine Schwiegereltern noch, weil sie sehr traditionell sind.' (I still use 'Sie' with my parents-in-law because they are very traditional). You will also use the word in the context of 'Kinderbetreuung' (childcare), explaining how the grandparents-in-law help out with the kids.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the B2 level, you move into more abstract and nuanced discussions. You might talk about the changing structure of the 'Großfamilie' (extended family) in modern society and how the role of 'Schwiegereltern' has evolved. You can use the word in complex sentence structures with relative clauses: 'Meine Schwiegereltern, die beide schon in Rente sind, reisen sehr viel.' (My parents-in-law, who are both already retired, travel a lot). You will also encounter the word in more formal contexts, such as legal discussions regarding 'Erbrecht' (inheritance law) or 'Unterhalt' (alimony/support). At this level, you should be able to discuss the psychological aspects of the 'Schwiegermutter-Konflikt' (mother-in-law conflict) using sophisticated vocabulary. You might read articles about 'Generationenkonflikte' where 'Schwiegereltern' are a central theme. Your use of the Genitive case should be flawless, and you should be able to use the word in professional settings without hesitation.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

C1 learners should be able to use 'Schwiegereltern' in virtually any context, including academic or literary discussions. You might analyze a character's relationship with their 'Schwiegereltern' in a German novel or film, noting the subtle power dynamics and linguistic choices (like the use of 'Sie' vs. 'Du'). You will understand idiomatic expressions and cultural nuances that are not immediately obvious to lower levels. For example, you might discuss the 'Schwiegermutter-Zunge' (a type of plant) or other cultural metaphors. Your vocabulary around this topic will expand to include terms like 'Verschwägerung' (the state of being related by marriage). You can participate in debates about family policy in Germany, discussing how the state supports families and the role 'Schwiegereltern' play in the 'informelle Pflege' (informal care) of elderly relatives. At C1, you are not just using the word; you are understanding its place in the fabric of German society.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word and its surrounding semantic field. You can appreciate the historical etymology of the 'Schwieger-' prefix and how it relates to other Indo-European languages. You might use the word in high-level creative writing or complex legal analysis. You can navigate the most sensitive social situations with your 'Schwiegereltern' using perfect register and tone. You might even explore the word's usage in historical German texts or dialects, where variations like 'Ehni' or 'Ahne' might appear in regional contexts for grandparents/in-laws. You understand the deep psychological archetypes associated with the 'Schwiegereltern' in German folklore and fairy tales. Your ability to use the word is no longer about grammar, but about the subtle cultural 'fingertip feeling' (Fingerspitzengefühl) that allows you to discuss complex family emotions with precision and empathy.

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

die Schwiegereltern 30초 만에

Collective plural noun for spouse's parents.
Always plural; no singular form exists.
Uses the prefix 'Schwieger-' (in-law).
Central to German family life and social rituals.

The German noun die Schwiegereltern is a collective plural term used to refer to the parents of one's spouse. In English, we translate this as 'parents-in-law.' This word is central to family vocabulary in German-speaking cultures, where family ties often remain strong throughout adulthood. Unlike some languages that might focus on individual titles immediately, German speakers frequently use this collective noun to describe the unit of the mother-in-law (Schwiegermutter) and father-in-law (Schwiegervater) together. Understanding this word is essential because it appears in almost every conversation involving marriage, holidays, or social obligations.

The Prefix 'Schwieger-': The prefix 'Schwieger-' is derived from the Old High German word 'swigur,' which specifically referred to the mother-in-law. Over centuries, it evolved into a universal prefix for all relatives acquired through marriage. Thus, 'Schwieger-' acts exactly like the English suffix '-in-law.'
Plurality and Usage: Note that 'Schwiegereltern' is always plural. You cannot have 'ein Schwiegereltern.' If you are referring to only one person, you must specify 'die Schwiegermutter' or 'der Schwiegervater.' This collective nature makes it very useful for general statements about one's extended family.
Social Context: In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the relationship with 'die Schwiegereltern' is a frequent topic of humor and cultural tropes, much like in the English-speaking world. However, there is also a deep-seated tradition of 'Kaffee und Kuchen' (coffee and cake) visits, where spending time with the parents-in-law is a structured and respected social ritual.

Wir verbringen das ganze Wochenende bei meinen Schwiegereltern auf dem Land.

Translation: We are spending the whole weekend at my parents-in-law's place in the country.

When you use this word, you are often navigating the delicate balance of 'Du' (informal) versus 'Sie' (formal). Many Germans continue to address their Schwiegereltern as 'Sie' for years, or even decades, until the parents-in-law explicitly offer the 'Du.' This linguistic hurdle makes the word 'Schwiegereltern' feel slightly more formal or respectful in a German context than 'in-laws' might feel in a casual American context. It carries a weight of traditional family structure.

Meine Schwiegereltern sind heute zum Abendessen eingeladen.

Translation: My parents-in-law are invited for dinner today.

In professional settings, such as HR discussions about family leave or emergency contacts, 'Schwiegereltern' is the precise legal and social term. It is never slang. Even in the most informal families, this word maintains its clarity and function. It is a foundational brick in the wall of German kinship vocabulary, alongside 'Eltern' (parents), 'Großeltern' (grandparents), and 'Geschwister' (siblings).

Wie verstehst du dich mit deinen Schwiegereltern?

Translation: How do you get along with your parents-in-law?

Using die Schwiegereltern correctly requires an understanding of German plural declension. Since 'Schwiegereltern' is always plural, it follows the plural patterns for articles and adjectives. In the Nominative case, it is 'die Schwiegereltern.' In the Accusative, it remains 'die Schwiegereltern.' However, things change in the Dative and Genitive cases, which are very common when talking about gifts, visits, or belongings.

The Dative Case (Indirect Object/Prepositions): When you say 'I help my parents-in-law' or 'I give a gift to them,' you use the Dative. The article changes to 'den' and the noun (already ending in -n) stays the same: 'Ich helfe den Schwiegereltern.' If you use a possessive pronoun like 'meinen,' it also takes the -en ending: 'Ich gebe meinen Schwiegereltern ein Geschenk.'
The Genitive Case (Possession): To describe 'the house of the parents-in-law,' you use the Genitive: 'Das Haus der Schwiegereltern.' Note that the article becomes 'der' in the plural genitive. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers who are used to the 's' possessive.

Ich habe meinen Schwiegereltern zum Hochzeitstag gratuliert.

Translation: I congratulated my parents-in-law on their wedding anniversary. (Dative usage)

When constructing sentences, remember that 'Schwiegereltern' often acts as the subject. Since it is plural, the verb must also be plural. For example, 'Die Schwiegereltern sind nett' (The parents-in-law are nice). Avoid the mistake of treating it as a single collective entity with a singular verb, which sometimes happens in English (e.g., 'the family is...'). In German, 'die Eltern' and 'die Schwiegereltern' always take plural verb forms.

Das ist das Auto der Schwiegereltern.

Translation: That is the parents-in-law's car. (Genitive usage)

In everyday speech, the Genitive is often replaced by 'von' + Dative: 'Das Auto von meinen Schwiegereltern.' While this is technically less formal, it is extremely common in spoken German. As an A2 or B1 learner, using 'von' will make you sound very natural, but being able to recognize the 'der' in Genitive will help your reading comprehension immensely.

Wir wohnen bei den Schwiegereltern, bis unsere Wohnung fertig ist.

Translation: We are living with the parents-in-law until our apartment is ready.

You will encounter the word die Schwiegereltern in a variety of real-life scenarios, ranging from casual coffee chats to formal legal proceedings. It is a 'high-frequency' word because family remains the core social unit in most German-speaking regions. If you are living in Germany and have a partner, this word will become part of your weekly vocabulary.

Holiday Planning: Christmas (Weihnachten) is the ultimate time for this word. Discussions usually revolve around: 'Fahren wir dieses Jahr zu deinen Schwiegereltern oder zu meinen Eltern?' (Are we going to your parents-in-law or my parents this year?). This specific phrasing highlights the distinction between biological parents and those joined by marriage.
Small Talk at Weddings: At a 'Hochzeit' (wedding), guests will often ask the newlyweds: 'Wie sind deine neuen Schwiegereltern?' (How are your new parents-in-law?). It is a standard icebreaker to discuss the merging of two families.
Legal and Official Documents: In German law, 'Schwiegereltern' have specific rights and obligations, such as 'Unterhaltspflicht' (maintenance obligations) in very specific, rare circumstances. You will see the word in insurance forms (Versicherungen) when defining who is covered under a family policy.

Meine Schwiegereltern passen oft auf die Kinder auf.

Translation: My parents-in-law often look after the children.

Another common place to hear this word is in the context of 'Erbe' (inheritance) or 'Immobilien' (real estate). In Germany, it is quite common for 'die Schwiegereltern' to provide a 'Baugrundstück' (building plot) or financial help for a young couple to build a house. Consequently, the word often appears in financial planning conversations.

Sind das deine Schwiegereltern auf dem Foto?

Translation: Are those your parents-in-law in the photo?

Lastly, you will hear it in the workplace. If someone says, 'Ich muss früher gehen, meine Schwiegereltern kommen zu Besuch,' it is considered a very valid and respectful reason for leaving. Family obligations are highly regarded, and 'die Schwiegereltern' are a top-tier priority in that social hierarchy.

Even though die Schwiegereltern seems straightforward, English speakers often fall into several linguistic traps. These mistakes usually stem from direct translation or a misunderstanding of German pluralization and gender rules.

Mistake 1: Treating it as Singular: In English, we can say 'my in-law' (though rare) or 'my in-laws.' In German, you cannot say 'mein Schwiegereltern.' It must always be 'meine' (plural). If you mean only one parent, you must use 'Schwiegermutter' or 'Schwiegervater.' Using the plural form for one person is a common A1/A2 error.
Mistake 2: Mixing up 'Schwager' and 'Schwieger-': Because they sound similar, students often confuse 'Schwager' (brother-in-law) with the prefix 'Schwieger-'. Remember: 'Schwager' is a specific person, while 'Schwieger-' is a prefix that attaches to 'Eltern', 'Mutter', 'Sohn', etc.
Mistake 3: The 's' Plural: English speakers often want to add an 's' to make things plural. Saying 'Schwiegerelterns' is incorrect. The word is already plural. The only time you might see an 's' is in a very rare genitive construction, but even then, it's usually 'der Schwiegereltern.'

Incorrect: Meine Schwiegereltern ist sehr nett.
Correct: Meine Schwiegereltern sind sehr nett.

Always use plural verbs with Schwiegereltern.

Another subtle mistake involves the 'Du' and 'Sie' distinction mentioned earlier. Addressing your 'Schwiegereltern' with 'Du' before they have offered it can be seen as a major faux pas in traditional German families. Even if you are talking about them using the word 'Schwiegereltern,' the level of respect you convey in your general tone is important.

Finally, remember the Dative 'n'. While 'Eltern' already has an 'n', many learners forget that plural nouns in the dative case usually need an 'n'. Since 'Eltern' is an exception (it already has one), don't try to add a second 'n' like 'Schwiegerelternen'—that doesn't exist!

While die Schwiegereltern is the standard term, there are other ways to refer to your spouse's family or specific members within that group. Knowing these alternatives will help you refine your descriptions and understand more complex family trees.

Die Schwiegerfamilie: This refers to the entire 'in-law family,' including siblings-in-law and other relatives. It is broader than 'Schwiegereltern.' If you say, 'Ich besuche meine Schwiegerfamilie,' you might be seeing cousins and aunts as well.
Die Schwiegerleute: A more colloquial, slightly old-fashioned or regional term (common in Southern Germany/Austria). It essentially means 'the in-law folks.' It's very informal and shouldn't be used in formal writing, but you will definitely hear it in villages or tight-knit communities.
Die Schwiegereltern in spe: The Latin 'in spe' means 'in hope' or 'future.' This is used to refer to the parents of your fiancé(e) or long-term partner before you are actually married. 'Meine Schwiegereltern in spe' = 'My future parents-in-law.'

Wir verstehen uns gut mit der ganzen Schwiegerfamilie.

Translation: We get along well with the whole in-law family.

Comparing 'Schwiegereltern' with 'Eltern' is also useful. In German, you rarely combine them into one word like 'all my parents.' You would say 'meine Eltern und meine Schwiegereltern.' This clear separation reflects the clear legal and social distinction between the two groups.

Das sind meine Schwiegereltern in spe, wir heiraten im Juni.

Translation: These are my future parents-in-law; we are getting married in June.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

In many ancient languages, there were separate words for 'mother-in-law on the husband's side' and 'mother-in-law on the wife's side,' but German eventually consolidated these into the 'Schwieger-' prefix.

발음 가이드

UK ˈʃviːɡɐˌʔɛltɐn

US ˈʃviɡərˌɛltərn

Stress is on the first syllable: SCHWIE-ger-el-tern.

라임이 맞는 단어

Eltern Keltern Weltern Zeltern Steltern Geltern Meltern Peltern

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 'w' like an English 'w' (it should be a 'v' sound).
Making the 'ie' sound too short (it should be a long 'ee').
Adding an 's' at the end.
Pronouncing the 'g' like 'j' (it should be a hard 'g').
Forgetting the glottal stop between 'Schwieger' and 'eltern'.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'Eltern'. The length might be intimidating but the structure is logical.

쓰기 3/5

Requires correct plural endings for adjectives and pronouns (meine, meinen, meiner).

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation of 'Schwieger' (v-sound) and the glottal stop takes a bit of practice.

듣기 2/5

Usually clearly pronounced in family contexts, though 'r' can be subtle.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

die Eltern die Mutter der Vater die Ehe heiraten

다음에 배울 것

der Schwager die Schwägerin das Verhältnis verwandt die Enkel

고급

die Verschwägerung das Erbrecht die Unterhaltspflicht die Herkunftsfamilie die Kernfamilie

알아야 할 문법

Plural Dative -n

Ich helfe den Schwiegereltern. (No extra -n needed because it already ends in -n).

Compound Nouns

Schwieger + Eltern = Schwiegereltern. The last part determines the gender and plural.

Possessive Pronouns Plural

Meine, deine, seine, ihre, unsere, eure Schwiegereltern.

Genitive Plural

Das Auto der Schwiegereltern. (Article becomes 'der').

Adjective Endings Plural

Meine netten Schwiegereltern. (Takes -en in most cases).

무료 가입하고 전체 설명 읽기

수준별 예문

Meine Schwiegereltern sind nett.

My parents-in-law are nice.

'sind' is the plural verb for 'they'.

Wo wohnen deine Schwiegereltern?

Where do your parents-in-law live?

'deine' is the possessive pronoun for 'you' (singular, informal).

Das sind meine Schwiegereltern.

Those are my parents-in-law.

'Das sind' is used for plural introductions.

Meine Schwiegereltern kommen heute.

My parents-in-law are coming today.

'kommen' is the plural verb.

Haben Sie Schwiegereltern?

Do you have parents-in-law?

Formal 'Sie' question.

Meine Schwiegereltern heißen Hans und Helga.

My parents-in-law are named Hans and Helga.

'heißen' is plural.

Ich liebe meine Schwiegereltern.

I love my parents-in-law.

Accusative plural is the same as Nominative.

Kommen deine Schwiegereltern aus Deutschland?

Do your parents-in-law come from Germany?

Standard question structure.

Ich besuche am Wochenende meine Schwiegereltern.

I am visiting my parents-in-law at the weekend.

Accusative plural object.

Ich muss meine Schwiegereltern anrufen.

I have to call my parents-in-law.

'anrufen' takes the Accusative.

Wir essen mit den Schwiegereltern zu Abend.

We are eating dinner with the parents-in-law.

'mit' always takes the Dative ('den').

Was schenkst du deinen Schwiegereltern?

What are you giving to your parents-in-law?

Dative plural indirect object ('deinen').

Meine Schwiegereltern wohnen in einem kleinen Dorf.

My parents-in-law live in a small village.

Plural verb and subject.

Gefallen dir deine Schwiegereltern?

Do you like your parents-in-law?

'gefallen' takes the Dative subject.

Ich helfe meinen Schwiegereltern im Garten.

I help my parents-in-law in the garden.

'helfen' takes the Dative.

Meine Schwiegereltern haben einen Hund.

My parents-in-law have a dog.

Plural 'haben'.

Ich verstehe mich sehr gut mit meinen Schwiegereltern.

I get along very well with my parents-in-law.

Reflexive verb 'sich verstehen mit' + Dative.

Obwohl sie streng sind, mag ich meine Schwiegereltern.

Although they are strict, I like my parents-in-law.

Subordinate clause with 'obwohl'.

Das Haus meiner Schwiegereltern ist sehr alt.

My parents-in-law's house is very old.

Genitive case ('meiner').

Ich habe meinen Schwiegereltern von unserer Reise erzählt.

I told my parents-in-law about our trip.

Dative indirect object.

Wegen meiner Schwiegereltern können wir nicht kommen.

Because of my parents-in-law, we cannot come.

'Wegen' + Genitive (or Dative in spoken German).

Meine Schwiegereltern unterstützen uns finanziell.

My parents-in-law support us financially.

Verb 'unterstützen' + Accusative.

Seit der Hochzeit sehe ich meine Schwiegereltern öfter.

Since the wedding, I see my parents-in-law more often.

Temporal preposition 'seit'.

Ich habe mich bei meinen Schwiegereltern für das Geschenk bedankt.

I thanked my parents-in-law for the gift.

Reflexive 'sich bedanken bei' + Dative.

Das Verhältnis zu meinen Schwiegereltern ist etwas angespannt.

The relationship with my parents-in-law is a bit tense.

Noun 'Verhältnis' + 'zu' + Dative.

Meine Schwiegereltern legen großen Wert auf Traditionen.

My parents-in-law place great value on traditions.

Idiom 'Wert legen auf'.

Trotz der Differenzen respektiere ich meine Schwiegereltern.

Despite the differences, I respect my parents-in-law.

'Trotz' + Genitive.

Es ist wichtig, Grenzen gegenüber den Schwiegereltern zu setzen.

It is important to set boundaries towards the parents-in-law.

Preposition 'gegenüber' + Dative.

Meine Schwiegereltern haben sich in unsere Erziehung eingemischt.

My parents-in-law interfered in our upbringing.

Reflexive 'sich einmischen in'.

Die Erwartungen der Schwiegereltern können belastend sein.

The expectations of the parents-in-law can be burdensome.

Genitive plural.

Wir haben das Haus von meinen Schwiegereltern übernommen.

We took over the house from my parents-in-law.

'von' + Dative indicating origin.

Meine Schwiegereltern sind beide ehrenamtlich tätig.

My parents-in-law are both active in volunteer work.

Adjective phrase 'ehrenamtlich tätig'.

Die Einmischung der Schwiegereltern führte zu einem heftigen Streit.

The interference of the parents-in-law led to a heated argument.

Genitive construction as subject attribute.

Es bedarf viel Geduld, um mit schwierigen Schwiegereltern umzugehen.

It requires much patience to deal with difficult parents-in-law.

'Es bedarf' + Genitive.

Die Schwiegereltern fungieren oft als wichtige Stütze in der Kinderbetreuung.

The parents-in-law often function as an important support in childcare.

Verb 'fungieren als'.

Inwieweit sollten Schwiegereltern in finanzielle Entscheidungen einbezogen werden?

To what extent should parents-in-law be included in financial decisions?

Passive voice in a question.

Die Abgrenzung von den Schwiegereltern ist ein notwendiger Prozess der Individuation.

Differentiating oneself from the parents-in-law is a necessary process of individuation.

Nominalization 'Abgrenzung'.

Rechtlich gesehen haben Schwiegereltern nur begrenzte Mitspracherechte.

Legally speaking, parents-in-law have only limited rights to co-determination.

Adverbial 'rechtlich gesehen'.

Das Klischee der bösartigen Schwiegermutter färbt oft auf das Bild der Schwiegereltern ab.

The cliché of the malicious mother-in-law often rubs off on the image of the parents-in-law.

Phrasal verb 'abfärben auf'.

Wir sind unseren Schwiegereltern zu großem Dank verpflichtet.

We are indebted to our parents-in-law for their great kindness.

Dative of interest/obligation.

Die subtile Einflussnahme der Schwiegereltern untergrub die elterliche Autorität.

The subtle exertion of influence by the parents-in-law undermined parental authority.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'Einflussnahme', 'untergraben'.

Es ist eine Gratwanderung zwischen familiärer Loyalität und der Loyalität zu den Schwiegereltern.

It is a tightrope walk between family loyalty and loyalty to the parents-in-law.

Metaphor 'Gratwanderung'.

Die Schwiegereltern wurden im Testament explizit als Nacherben eingesetzt.

The parents-in-law were explicitly appointed as reversionary heirs in the will.

Legal terminology 'Nacherben'.

Ungeachtet der räumlichen Distanz pflegen wir einen regen Austausch mit den Schwiegereltern.

Regardless of the spatial distance, we maintain a lively exchange with the parents-in-law.

Preposition 'Ungeachtet' + Genitive.

Die Ambivalenz der Gefühle gegenüber den Schwiegereltern ist ein häufiges literarisches Motiv.

The ambivalence of feelings towards the parents-in-law is a frequent literary motif.

Abstract noun 'Ambivalenz'.

Man sollte die Schwiegereltern nicht als bloße Anhängsel der Kernfamilie betrachten.

One should not view the parents-in-law as mere appendages of the nuclear family.

Sophisticated phrasing 'bloße Anhängsel'.

Die soziokulturelle Prägung der Schwiegereltern divergiert oft stark von der eigenen.

The socio-cultural background of the parents-in-law often diverges significantly from one's own.

Academic verb 'divergieren'.

In manchen Kulturen genießen die Schwiegereltern eine fast sakrosankte Stellung.

In some cultures, the parents-in-law enjoy an almost sacrosanct position.

High-level adjective 'sakrosankt'.

자주 쓰는 조합

liebe Schwiegereltern

schwierige Schwiegereltern

zukünftige Schwiegereltern

verstorbene Schwiegereltern

die Schwiegereltern besuchen

mit den Schwiegereltern streiten

bei den Schwiegereltern wohnen

Geschenk für die Schwiegereltern

Segen der Schwiegereltern

Haus der Schwiegereltern

자주 쓰는 구문

Grüß deine Schwiegereltern von mir!

— Give my regards to your parents-in-law.

Ich muss jetzt gehen. Grüß deine Schwiegereltern von mir!

Wie geht es deinen Schwiegereltern?

— How are your parents-in-law doing?

Schön dich zu sehen! Wie geht es deinen Schwiegereltern?

Meine Schwiegereltern sind zu Besuch.

— My parents-in-law are visiting.

Ich kann heute nicht kommen, meine Schwiegereltern sind zu Besuch.

Zu den Schwiegereltern fahren.

— To drive/go to the parents-in-law's house.

Wir fahren am Wochenende zu den Schwiegereltern.

Ärger mit den Schwiegereltern haben.

— To have trouble with the parents-in-law.

Er hat leider oft Ärger mit den Schwiegereltern.

Die Schwiegereltern kennenlernen.

— To meet the parents-in-law for the first time.

Bist du nervös, seine Schwiegereltern kennenzulernen?

Von den Schwiegereltern erben.

— To inherit from the parents-in-law.

Sie haben ein Haus von den Schwiegereltern geerbt.

Bei den Schwiegereltern zum Essen sein.

— To be at the parents-in-law's for a meal.

Wir sind heute Abend bei den Schwiegereltern zum Essen.

Die Schwiegereltern unterstützen.

— To support the parents-in-law.

Wir unterstützen meine Schwiegereltern im Haushalt.

Die Schwiegereltern einladen.

— To invite the parents-in-law.

Wir sollten deine Schwiegereltern mal wieder einladen.

자주 혼동되는 단어

die Schwiegereltern vs Schwager

Means brother-in-law. People confuse it because of the 'Schwa-' start.

die Schwiegereltern vs Schwägerin

Means sister-in-law. Similar phonetic start.

die Schwiegereltern vs Großeltern

Means grandparents. Sometimes people confuse the 'in-law' parents with the 'grand' parents.

관용어 및 표현

"Man heiratet die Schwiegereltern mit."

— When you marry someone, you also 'marry' their family and must deal with them.

Vergiss nicht: Man heiratet die Schwiegereltern immer mit!

proverbial

"Ein Drache von einer Schwiegermutter."

— A very difficult or mean mother-in-law (often applied to the parents-in-law collectively as a 'difficult family').

Seine Schwiegereltern sind okay, aber die Mutter ist ein echter Drache.

informal/insulting

"Wie bei Schwiegermutter."

— Something is very clean, orderly, or the food is very good (stereotypical).

Hier sieht es ja aus wie bei Schwiegermutter!

colloquial

"Schwiegersohn-Typ."

— A man who is the perfect 'son-in-law' (polite, clean-cut, reliable).

Er ist der klassische Schwiegersohn-Typ.

neutral

"Schwiegermutter-Zunge."

— The name for the Sansevieria plant (Snake Plant), implying it's sharp or long like a mother-in-law's tongue.

Ich habe eine Schwiegermutter-Zunge im Wohnzimmer stehen.

neutral/humorous

"Die Schwiegereltern auf den Hals haben."

— To be burdened by a visit from the in-laws.

Jetzt habe ich das ganze Wochenende die Schwiegereltern auf den Hals.

informal/negative

"Sich bei den Schwiegereltern einschleimen."

— To suck up to the parents-in-law.

Er versucht ständig, sich bei den Schwiegereltern einzuschleimen.

informal/disapproving

"Das ist ein gefundenes Fressen für die Schwiegereltern."

— This is exactly what the parents-in-law were looking for (usually something to criticize).

Unser unordentliches Haus ist ein gefundenes Fressen für die Schwiegereltern.

idiomatic

"Den Segen der Schwiegereltern haben."

— To have their approval/permission.

Endlich haben wir den Segen der Schwiegereltern für den Hauskauf.

neutral

"Schwiegereltern-Schreck."

— A person who is the 'nightmare' of any parent-in-law (rebellious, unkempt).

Mit seinen Tattoos ist er der totale Schwiegereltern-Schreck.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

die Schwiegereltern vs Schwager

Both start with 'Schw-'.

Schwager is a brother-in-law (one person), Schwiegereltern are parents-in-law (two people).

Mein Schwager ist der Sohn meiner Schwiegereltern.

die Schwiegereltern vs Schwiegersohn

Both have the 'Schwieger-' prefix.

Schwiegersohn is the son-in-law (the person who married the daughter).

Mein Mann ist der Schwiegersohn meiner Eltern.

die Schwiegereltern vs Schwiegerkinder

Both refer to in-law relatives.

Schwiegerkinder refers to the sons-in-law and daughters-in-law collectively.

Meine Eltern lieben ihre Schwiegerkinder.

die Schwiegereltern vs Stiefeltern

Both refer to non-biological parents.

Stiefeltern (step-parents) are the new partners of your biological parents. Schwiegereltern are the parents of your partner.

Meine Stiefmutter ist nicht meine Schwiegermutter.

die Schwiegereltern vs Schwiegersippe

Refers to the same group.

'Sippe' is often derogatory or very informal, like 'the whole clan.'

Die ganze Schwiegersippe kommt zum Essen.

문장 패턴

Das sind [Possessive] Schwiegereltern.

Das sind meine Schwiegereltern.

Ich besuche [Possessive] Schwiegereltern.

Ich besuche meine Schwiegereltern.

Ich helfe [Possessive] Schwiegereltern.

Ich helfe meinen Schwiegereltern.

Ich verstehe mich [Adverb] mit meinen Schwiegereltern.

Ich verstehe mich gut mit meinen Schwiegereltern.

Obwohl [Sentence], [Verb] meine Schwiegereltern...

Obwohl sie alt sind, reisen meine Schwiegereltern viel.

Das Haus [Genitive Article] Schwiegereltern ist...

Das Haus der Schwiegereltern ist groß.

Die Beziehung zu den Schwiegereltern ist [Adjective].

Die Beziehung zu den Schwiegereltern ist kompliziert.

Ungeachtet [Genitive Article] Schwiegereltern...

Ungeachtet der Einwände meiner Schwiegereltern haben wir geheiratet.

어휘 가족

명사

die Schwiegermutter

der Schwiegervater

die Schwiegertochter

der Schwiegersohn

der Schwager

die Schwägerin

die Schwiegerschaft

동사

verschwägern (to become related by marriage)

형용사

schwiegermütterlich (mother-in-law-like)

schwiegerväterlich (father-in-law-like)

verschwägert (related by marriage)

사용법

frequency

Very common in daily life and family contexts.

자주 하는 실수

Meine Schwiegereltern ist nett. → Meine Schwiegereltern sind nett.
'Schwiegereltern' is plural, so you must use the plural verb 'sind'.
Ich besuche mein Schwiegereltern. → Ich besuche meine Schwiegereltern.
Possessive pronouns must have the -e ending for plural nouns in Nominative/Accusative.
Mein Schwiegerelterns Haus. → Das Haus meiner Schwiegereltern.
German usually uses the Genitive case or 'von' + Dative instead of adding 's' to plural nouns.
Ich helfe meine Schwiegereltern. → Ich helfe meinen Schwiegereltern.
The verb 'helfen' requires the Dative case, so 'meine' becomes 'meinen'.
Meine Schwiegerelternen. → Meine Schwiegereltern.
Do not add an extra -en to the word. 'Eltern' is already the plural form.

팁

The Dative 'den'

Whenever you use 'mit' or 'bei', remember to use 'den Schwiegereltern'. Example: 'Ich wohne bei den Schwiegereltern.'

Break it down

If the word feels too long, break it into 'Schwieger' and 'eltern'. It's just 'in-law' + 'parents'.

The 'Du' Offer

In Germany, wait for the parents-in-law to offer the 'Du'. It's a significant milestone in the relationship.

The 'W' sound

Remember that German 'w' is always like an English 'v'. It's 'Shvee-ger', not 'Shwee-ger'.

Capitalization

All nouns in German are capitalized. 'Schwiegereltern' is no exception.

Small Talk

Asking 'Wie geht es Ihren Schwiegereltern?' is a very polite and standard way to show interest in someone's life.

Visualizing

Picture your spouse's parents standing under a sign that says 'Schwieger-'. This prefix is the key to all in-law words.

Context Clues

If you hear 'Sch...' followed by '...eltern', it's almost certainly this word. Context will confirm it.

Future In-Laws

Use 'in spe' to sound more sophisticated when talking about your future in-laws.

No 's' plural

Never say 'Schwiegerelterns'. The plural is already built into the word 'Eltern'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Schwieger' as 'Switch-Parents'. You switched families or added a new set of parents through marriage. Schwieger = Switch.

시각적 연상

Imagine a bridge connecting two houses. On one side are your parents, on the other side are your 'Schwiegereltern'. The bridge is your wedding ring.

Word Web

Familie Ehe Schwiegermutter Schwiegervater Hochzeit Verwandte Enkelkinder Besuch

챌린지

Try to describe three things your Schwiegereltern (or imaginary ones) like to do. Use the plural form correctly in every sentence.

어원

From the Middle High German 'swiger' and Old High German 'swigur'.

원래 의미: Originally specifically meant 'mother-in-law'. The masculine form was 'swehur'.

Indo-European; related to Latin 'socrus' and Greek 'hekyra'.

문화적 맥락

Be careful when joking about in-laws in Germany; while common, it can be seen as disrespectful in more conservative or traditional circles.

In the US/UK, 'in-laws' is often used more casually. In Germany, 'Schwiegereltern' feels slightly more formal until a deep bond is formed.

Loriot (German comedian) has many sketches about awkward family dinners with in-laws. 'Meine Braut, ihr Vater und ich' (Meet the Parents) is the German title for the famous movie. The plant 'Schwiegermutterzunge'.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Holidays

Wo feiern wir Weihnachten?
Bei deinen Schwiegereltern?
Wir müssen die Schwiegereltern einladen.
Frohe Ostern an deine Schwiegereltern!

Living Situations

Wir wohnen im Haus der Schwiegereltern.
Der Keller gehört den Schwiegereltern.
Wir suchen eine Wohnung nah bei den Schwiegereltern.
Die Schwiegereltern wohnen im Erdgeschoss.

Conflict/Resolution

Ich habe mich mit den Schwiegereltern gestritten.
Wir müssen uns mit den Schwiegereltern versöhnen.
Meine Schwiegereltern mischen sich zu viel ein.
Grenzziehung ist wichtig.

Gifts/Celebrations

Was kaufen wir deinen Schwiegereltern?
Zum Geburtstag der Schwiegereltern.
Ein Blumenstrauß für die Schwiegereltern.
Wir organisieren eine Party für die Schwiegereltern.

Childcare

Die Schwiegereltern passen auf die Kinder auf.
Opa und Oma (die Schwiegereltern) holen die Kinder ab.
Vielen Dank an die Schwiegereltern für die Hilfe.
Die Kinder lieben ihre Schwiegergroßeltern (rarely used, usually just Großeltern).

대화 시작하기

"Wie oft besuchst du deine Schwiegereltern?"

"Verstehst du dich gut mit deinen Schwiegereltern?"

"Was war dein erster Eindruck von deinen Schwiegereltern?"

"Wohnen deine Schwiegereltern in der Nähe oder weit weg?"

"Was schenkst du deinen Schwiegereltern zu Weihnachten?"

일기 주제

Beschreibe dein erstes Treffen mit deinen Schwiegereltern. Warst du nervös?

Welche Rolle spielen Schwiegereltern in deiner Kultur im Vergleich zu Deutschland?

Schreibe über eine lustige oder peinliche Situation mit deinen Schwiegereltern.

Wie wichtig ist es dir, dass deine Schwiegereltern dich mögen?

Was würdest du tun, wenn deine Schwiegereltern sich zu sehr in dein Leben einmischen?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Yes, 'Schwiegereltern' is always plural in German. You cannot use it for a single person. To refer to just one parent-in-law, you must use 'Schwiegermutter' (mother-in-law) or 'Schwiegervater' (father-in-law).

In the Dative case, it is 'meinen Schwiegereltern.' For example: 'Ich gebe meinen Schwiegereltern ein Geschenk.' Note the -en ending on the possessive pronoun.

'Schwiegereltern' refers specifically to the two parents of your spouse. 'Schwiegerfamilie' is a broader term that includes the parents, siblings, and other relatives of your spouse.

Technically, they only become your 'Schwiegereltern' after the wedding. Before that, you can say 'meine zukünftigen Schwiegereltern' or 'meine Schwiegereltern in spe.'

There is no standard shorter word. In some dialects, people say 'Schwiegerleute,' but in standard German, 'Schwiegereltern' is the only correct term.

Usually, you address them with 'Sie' and their last name (e.g., 'Frau Müller') until they offer you the 'Du.' Some modern families use 'Du' from the start, but it's safer to wait for them to offer.

As a plural noun, its 'grammatical gender' is plural. The individual components are 'die Schwiegermutter' (feminine) and 'der Schwiegervater' (masculine).

Yes, the 'Sch' is exactly like the English 'sh' in 'show' or 'shine.'

On its own, 'Schwieger' has no meaning in modern German. It only exists as a prefix for in-law relatives.

Both are used! 'Meiner Schwiegereltern' is the Genitive case (more formal). 'Von meinen Schwiegereltern' is 'von' + Dative (more common in spoken German).

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