Meaning
To state that one has offspring.
Cultural Background
Privacy is paramount. While people will say 'Ich habe Kinder', they often avoid posting their children's faces on social media (Verpixeln). The term 'Kinder' is universal, but you might hear 'Gschrappen' in very informal, dialect-heavy Viennese contexts, though it can be slightly derogatory. In Swiss German, 'Kinder' often becomes 'Chind'. The phrase 'Ich ha Chind' is the local equivalent. The 'DINK' (Double Income, No Kids) lifestyle is common in cities like Berlin, making 'Ich habe keine Kinder' a very common and socially accepted statement.
The 'Kein' Rule
To say you don't have children, always use 'keine Kinder', never 'nicht Kinder'.
Singular vs. Plural
Don't forget to use 'Kind' if you only have one. 'Ich habe Kinder' always implies more than one.
Meaning
To state that one has offspring.
The 'Kein' Rule
To say you don't have children, always use 'keine Kinder', never 'nicht Kinder'.
Singular vs. Plural
Don't forget to use 'Kind' if you only have one. 'Ich habe Kinder' always implies more than one.
Small Talk
In Germany, asking 'Hast du Kinder?' is very common and not considered too personal for acquaintances.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'haben'.
Ich ___ zwei Kinder.
The first-person singular form of 'haben' is 'habe'.
Which sentence is correct if you have one child?
Select the correct sentence:
'Kind' is the singular form, and 'haben' is the correct verb.
Match the German phrase to its English translation.
Match the following:
These are standard translations of the basic variations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hast du Kinder? B: Ja, ich ___ drei ___.
The speaker is talking about themselves (habe) and multiple children (Kinder).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ___ zwei Kinder.
The first-person singular form of 'haben' is 'habe'.
Select the correct sentence:
'Kind' is the singular form, and 'haben' is the correct verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard translations of the basic variations.
A: Hast du Kinder? B: Ja, ich ___ drei ___.
The speaker is talking about themselves (habe) and multiple children (Kinder).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it's common in modern, informal German, especially among younger parents in cities.
The singular 'Kind' is neuter ({das|n}). The plural 'Kinder' uses the plural article 'die'.
You say 'Ich habe einen {der|m} Sohn'. Note the 'einen' for the masculine accusative.
It's not rude, but employers are generally not allowed to ask you. You can volunteer the information if you wish.
You can say 'Ich habe Stiefkinder' or simply 'Ich habe Kinder', depending on how close you are.
You say 'Ich möchte Kinder haben'.
'Kinder' is the standard word. 'Nachwuchs' is more formal or refers to the 'new generation' in a family.
No, when speaking generally about having children, you use no article (Nullartikel).
You say 'Ich habe erwachsene Kinder'.
Yes, 'haben' is used for all family relations: 'Ich habe eine Schwester', 'Ich habe einen Mann'.
Related Phrases
Ich bin Vater
similarI am a father
Ich habe Nachwuchs
specialized formI have offspring
Kinder an die Macht
idiomChildren to power
Kind und Kegel
idiomThe whole family / bag and baggage
