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A2 noun 12 min read

Ehepaar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Ehepaar in 30 Seconds

Explanation Ehepaar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'Ehepaar' means a married couple. It is a combination of 'Ehe' (marriage) and 'Paar' (couple). You should remember that it is a 'das' word (neuter). At this stage, you might use it to describe your family or neighbors. For example, 'Das ist ein Ehepaar.' You don't need to worry about complex grammar, just recognize the word when you see it in simple texts or hear it in basic conversations about families. Think of it as a specific type of 'Paar'. If you see two people with wedding rings, they are likely an 'Ehepaar'. It is a useful word for basic introductions and describing people in your environment. You might also see it in very simple stories about people living in a house. Remember: 'Ehe' + 'Paar' = 'Ehepaar'. It's that simple!

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'Ehepaar' in simple sentences and understand its role as a collective noun. You should know that even though it refers to two people, it takes a singular verb. For example: 'Das Ehepaar wohnt in Berlin.' You can also start adding simple adjectives like 'jung' (young) or 'alt' (old). You might encounter this word when talking about housing, as in 'Ein Ehepaar sucht eine Wohnung.' It is also important to distinguish it from 'ein paar' (a few). At A2, you should be comfortable using the word in the nominative and accusative cases. You might also hear it in the context of invitations or social events. It's a key word for describing social structures and relationships in a basic way. You should also be aware of the plural form 'Ehepaare'.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social and legal implications of the word 'Ehepaar'. You should be able to use it in various cases, including the genitive (e.g., 'die Wohnung des Ehepaars'). You will encounter the word in more complex texts, such as news articles or short stories, where it might be used to discuss social trends or personal relationships. You should also be able to distinguish 'Ehepaar' from alternatives like 'Lebensgefährten' (unmarried partners) and understand when it is appropriate to use each. At this level, you can use the word to talk about cultural differences in marriage and family life. You might also use it in more formal writing, such as a letter or an essay about society. Understanding the nuances of compound words like 'Ehepaar' will also help you expand your vocabulary more generally.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'Ehepaar' in all its grammatical forms and social contexts. You should be able to discuss the legal rights of an 'Ehepaar' in Germany, such as 'Ehegattensplitting' (a tax benefit for married couples). You will see the word in more sophisticated literature and journalistic pieces that explore the dynamics of marriage. You should also be aware of the historical context of the word and how its usage has changed with the legalization of same-sex marriage. At B2, you should be able to use the word fluently in discussions about sociology, law, and modern family life. You might also encounter more specialized terms related to 'Ehepaar', such as 'Ehevertrag' (marriage contract) or 'Eherecht' (marriage law). Your ability to use the word accurately in formal and informal contexts should be well-developed.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'Ehepaar' with precision and nuance. You will encounter the word in academic texts, legal documents, and complex literary works where it may be used to analyze power dynamics, social expectations, or psychological states within a marriage. You should be comfortable discussing the subtle differences between 'Ehepaar', 'Eheleute', and 'Gatten'. You might also explore the use of the word in idiomatic expressions or as a metaphor in sophisticated discourse. At this level, you should be able to write detailed analyses of characters in a novel who are described as an 'Ehepaar', focusing on their shared identity versus their individual lives. Your understanding of the word should extend to its role in the broader fabric of German social and legal history.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word 'Ehepaar'. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as legal theory, historical research, or avant-garde literature. You understand the deepest etymological roots of the word and can discuss its evolution from Germanic traditions to modern legal frameworks. You can use the word to express subtle irony, profound sociological insights, or complex emotional states. In high-level debates, you might use 'Ehepaar' to discuss the deconstruction of traditional family units or the future of legal partnerships. You are also aware of very rare or archaic synonyms and can use them for stylistic effect. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item, but a tool for sophisticated cultural and linguistic analysis.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Ehepaar in 30 Seconds

Ehepaar means a married couple in German. It is a compound of 'Ehe' (marriage) and 'Paar' (couple).
It is a neuter noun (das Ehepaar). The plural form is 'die Ehepaare'.
The word is used formally to describe a legally married unit, distinct from a casual couple.
Even though it refers to two people, it is grammatically singular when used as a subject.

The German word Ehepaar is a neuter noun that translates directly to 'married couple' in English. It is a compound noun formed by merging die Ehe (marriage) and das Paar (couple). In German-speaking cultures, this term is specifically reserved for two people who have entered into a legal marriage contract. Unlike the broader term Paar, which can describe any two people in a romantic relationship regardless of their legal status, Ehepaar carries a formal and legal weight. You will encounter this word frequently in official documents, news reports, social invitations, and formal introductions. When someone refers to themselves as part of an Ehepaar, they are signaling a specific societal and legal bond that includes rights and responsibilities regulated by the state.

The Legal Nuance: In Germany, the distinction between being 'verheiratet' (married) and 'zusammenlebend' (living together) is linguistically marked by this word. An Ehepaar is recognized by the Standesamt (registry office).

Das Ehepaar Schmidt feiert heute seine goldene Hochzeit nach fünfzig gemeinsamen Jahren.

Historically, the term was strictly applied to a man and a woman. However, since the legalization of same-sex marriage in Germany in 2017 (known as Ehe für alle), the term Ehepaar is now used universally for any two married individuals. This evolution reflects the changing social landscape of modern Germany. When using this word, it is important to remember that it is a collective noun; it refers to the unit rather than the individuals. If you want to refer to the individuals themselves, you would use Ehepartner or Eheleute. In daily life, you might see an older Ehepaar walking in the park, or a young Ehepaar moving into their first apartment. The word evokes a sense of stability and long-term commitment.

Social Contexts: You will hear this in formal announcements, such as 'Das frischvermählte Ehepaar betritt den Saal' (The newly married couple enters the hall).

Ein Ehepaar aus Berlin hat den Jackpot im Lotto gewonnen.

In literature and media, the Ehepaar is often used as a trope to explore themes of domesticity, conflict, and partnership. From the classic 'bürgerliche' (middle-class) Ehepaar of the 19th century to contemporary depictions of diverse families, the word remains a pillar of German vocabulary. It is also used in statistical data: 'Die Anzahl der Ehepaare in Deutschland sinkt kontinuierlich.' This demonstrates the word's utility in both intimate and academic settings. Whether you are describing your neighbors or discussing demographic trends, Ehepaar provides a precise way to define a specific type of social unit. It is less romantic than Liebespaar (lovers) but more formal than Pärchen (a cute couple).

Grammatical Note: The plural is 'die Ehepaare'. Note that 'Paar' (couple) is different from 'ein paar' (a few), which is written in lowercase.

Viele Ehepaare entscheiden sich heute für eine gemeinsame Steuererklärung.

Using Ehepaar correctly involves understanding its role as a collective singular noun. Even though it represents two individuals, it takes singular verb conjugations when it is the subject. For example, 'Das Ehepaar ist glücklich' (The married couple is happy). This can be a point of confusion for English speakers who might want to use a plural verb. In German, the focus is on the unit itself. To master the use of this word, one must also be comfortable with the various adjectives that frequently accompany it, such as frischverheiratet (newly married), kinderlos (childless), or berufstätig (working).

Subject-Verb Agreement: Das Ehepaar reist (singular) gerne nach Italien. (The married couple likes to travel to Italy.)

Als das Ehepaar das Restaurant betrat, wurden sie sofort zum Tisch geführt.

When describing the history or status of a couple, you might use the genitive case or 'von' constructions. For instance, 'Die Wohnung des Ehepaars' (The married couple's apartment) or 'Die Kinder von diesem Ehepaar' (The children of this married couple). In formal writing, the genitive is preferred. Furthermore, Ehepaar is often used in the context of housing and hospitality. Hotels might offer rooms 'für ein Ehepaar', and landlords might look for a 'ruhiges Ehepaar' as tenants. This usage highlights the social perception of a married couple as a stable, reliable entity.

Common Adjectives: Ein altes Ehepaar (an old couple), ein junges Ehepaar (a young couple), ein strittiges Ehepaar (a bickering couple).

Wir haben gestern ein sehr nettes Ehepaar im Urlaub kennengelernt.

In more complex sentences, Ehepaar can be the object of prepositions. 'Sie wohnen neben einem freundlichen Ehepaar' (They live next to a friendly married couple). Here, 'einem freundlichen Ehepaar' is in the dative case because of the preposition 'neben' indicating location. It's also worth noting that in German, you don't use 'Ehepaar' to address people directly. You wouldn't say 'Hallo, Ehepaar!' Instead, you would use their names or 'Hallo, ihr zwei!' (Hello, you two). The word is purely descriptive. If you are writing a formal letter to a married couple, you would address them as 'Eheleute' or 'Familie [Name]'.

Formal Usage: Das Ehepaar Müller wird gebeten, sich an der Rezeption zu melden.

Das Ehepaar gab sich vor dem Standesbeamten das Ja-Wort.

You will encounter the word Ehepaar in a variety of real-world scenarios in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. One of the most common places is in the 'Standesamt' (registry office). When a couple gets married, the registrar will officially refer to them as an Ehepaar the moment the ceremony is complete. Outside of the legal context, you will hear it in news broadcasts when a couple is involved in a story—perhaps they won the lottery, or they are a prominent political Ehepaar like the Obamas or the Clintons. In German media, public figures who are married are almost always referred to as an Ehepaar to emphasize their partnership.

In the News: 'Ein bekanntes Ehepaar aus der Filmbranche hat seine Trennung bekannt gegeben.'

Das Ehepaar feiert heute seinen zehnten Hochzeitstag in einem kleinen Restaurant.

Another very common place to see this word is in 'Anzeigen' (advertisements) or 'Kleinanzeigen' (classifieds). If someone is looking for a new tenant for an apartment, they might write: 'Wir suchen ein ruhiges Ehepaar als Nachmieter.' This is because married couples are often stereotypically viewed as more stable and less likely to throw loud parties than groups of students or young singles. Similarly, in the 'Todesanzeigen' (obituaries) section of a newspaper, you might see a couple listed together if they passed away close in time, or a surviving spouse might be referred to as part of the Ehepaar that lived in the community for many years.

In Literature: Authors often use 'das Ehepaar' to set the scene, focusing on the shared life of two characters.

In dem Roman wird das Leben eines alten Ehepaars im ländlichen Bayern beschrieben.

Social events are another prime location for this word. Wedding invitations might be addressed to 'Ehepaar Schmidt', and at the wedding itself, the 'Brautpaar' (bridal couple) eventually becomes the 'Ehepaar'. If you are attending a formal dinner, the seating chart might group people by 'Ehepaare'. In casual conversation, however, friends might use the diminutive Ehepärchen to sound more affectionate or slightly ironic. But for the most part, Ehepaar is the workhorse word for describing any two people who have said 'Ich will' (I do).

Everyday Conversation: 'Hast du das neue Ehepaar im dritten Stock schon gesehen?' (Have you seen the new married couple on the third floor yet?)

Das Ehepaar Meyer hat uns zum Abendessen eingeladen.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with Ehepaar is confusing it with the simple word Paar. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Using Paar for a married couple is acceptable but less precise, whereas using Ehepaar for a couple that is just dating is technically incorrect and can lead to confusion. It's like the difference between 'couple' and 'married couple' in English, but the distinction is more strictly observed in formal German. Another common error is using the wrong grammatical gender. Because it refers to people, some learners assume it should be masculine or feminine, but it is always das (neuter).

Gender Confusion: Incorrect: Der Ehepaar. Correct: Das Ehepaar. The gender of compound nouns is always determined by the last element.

Man darf nicht vergessen, dass das Wort Ehepaar im Singular steht, auch wenn es zwei Personen meint.

Subject-verb agreement is another pitfall. In English, we often say 'The couple are going out,' but in German, you must say 'Das Ehepaar geht aus.' The verb must be in the third-person singular. If you use a plural verb, it sounds like you are talking about multiple couples. Furthermore, avoid using Ehepaar when you are only talking about one of the partners. If you want to say 'My husband is coming,' don't say 'Mein Ehepaar kommt.' That would imply your entire 'married couple unit' is coming (which is nonsensical when you are one of them). Use Ehemann or Ehefrau instead.

Pluralization Error: Incorrect: Die Ehepaaren. Correct: Die Ehepaare. Only add the '-n' in the dative plural: 'den Ehepaaren'.

Das Ehepaar hat sich nach vielen Jahren scheiden lassen.

Lastly, be careful with the word Paar vs. paar. When written with a capital 'P', Paar means a couple (two of something that belong together). When written with a lowercase 'p', ein paar means 'a few' or 'some'. Since Ehepaar is always a noun referring to a specific couple, it must always be capitalized. Confusing 'ein paar Ehepaare' (a few married couples) with 'ein Paar Ehepaare' (a couple of married couples—redundant) is a subtle mistake that even advanced learners might make. Always capitalize Ehepaar!

False Friends: In English, you might say 'the couple' for two things (like socks). In German, 'Ehepaar' is strictly for humans in a marriage.

Ich habe ein Ehepaar gesehen, das sich an den Händen hielt.

While Ehepaar is the standard term for a married couple, German offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker. For example, Eheleute is a more formal and somewhat old-fashioned term often used in legal documents or formal announcements. It is plural by nature. On the other end of the spectrum, Pärchen is a diminutive form of Paar, used for any couple (married or not) in a cute or informal way. If you want to emphasize the romantic aspect, Liebespaar is the way to go.

Ehepaar vs. Eheleute: Ehepaar focuses on the unit (singular), while Eheleute refers to the individuals as a group (plural). Use 'Eheleute' in formal letters.

Das Ehepaar ist seit 20 Jahren verheiratet, während die Eheleute getrennte Konten führen.

Another important alternative is Lebenspartner or Lebensgefährten. These terms are used for couples in long-term, committed relationships who may or may not be married. In modern Germany, where many couples choose not to marry, these terms are very common and often preferred to avoid making assumptions about someone's marital status. If you are talking about a couple that is about to get married, the term is Brautpaar (bridal couple). Once they have children, they might be referred to as an Elternpaar (parent couple), though this is less common than simply saying 'die Eltern'.

Ehepaar vs. Liebespaar: Liebespaar implies a romantic, often passionate relationship. Ehepaar implies a legal status, which may or may not be romantic.

Romeo und Julia sind ein berühmtes Liebespaar, aber kein Ehepaar.

In administrative or sociological contexts, you might also encounter Zweipersonenhaushalt (two-person household). While this includes roommates or a parent and child, it is often used as a synonym for a couple in housing statistics. For a very formal, almost poetic term, you might see Gatten (spouses). This is mostly found in older literature or very formal wedding speeches. Finally, Duo or Gespann can be used metaphorically for a couple that works well together, though these aren't limited to romantic relationships. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the tone you want to set and the legal reality of the people you are describing.

Ehepaar vs. Pärchen: Pärchen is informal and often implies the couple is young or particularly affectionate. Ehepaar is more mature and formal.

Das junge Ehepaar wirkt wie ein frisch verliebtes Pärchen.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

In Old High German, 'êwa' referred to any divine or eternal law. Over time, its meaning narrowed specifically to the legal contract of marriage. This shows how central marriage was to the legal structure of society.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈeːəˌpaːɐ̯/

US /ˈeɪəˌpɑːr/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: 'EHE-paar'.

Rhymes With

Gefahr wunderbar offenbar Honorar Inventar Exemplar Januar Februar

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Ehe' like the English word 'edge'.
Making the 'h' in 'Ehe' too strong; it's mostly a marker of a long vowel.
Pronouncing 'Paar' with a short 'a' like in 'cat'.
Stressing the second syllable 'paar' instead of 'Ehe'.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'Ehe-bar' (marriage bar).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize as it is a compound of two common words.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct capitalization and knowledge of the neuter gender.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once you master the long 'e' in 'Ehe'.

Listening 2/5

Clear phonetic structure makes it easy to distinguish in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Ehe Paar Mann Frau verheiratet

Learn Next

Hochzeit Ehepartner Standesamt Scheidung Verlobung

Advanced

Ehegattensplitting Gütertrennung Eheähnliche Gemeinschaft Trauzeuge Ehevertrag

Grammar to Know

Compound Noun Gender

Das Ehepaar (gender comes from 'das Paar').

Collective Nouns as Singular

Das Ehepaar verreist (not verreisen).

Genitive Case with Neuter Nouns

Des Ehepaars (add -s).

Adjective Declension with Neuter Nouns

Ein nettes Ehepaar (mixed declension).

Dative Plural '-n' ending

Den Ehepaaren (add -n).

Examples by Level

Das Ehepaar ist nett.

The married couple is nice.

Simple subject-verb agreement.

Hier wohnt ein Ehepaar.

A married couple lives here.

Indefinite article 'ein' for neuter.

Das Ehepaar hat einen Hund.

The married couple has a dog.

Verb 'haben' in singular.

Ist das ein Ehepaar?

Is that a married couple?

Question structure.

Das Ehepaar kommt aus Berlin.

The married couple comes from Berlin.

Preposition 'aus' with origin.

Ich sehe ein Ehepaar.

I see a married couple.

Accusative case for 'ein Ehepaar'.

Das Ehepaar tanzt.

The married couple is dancing.

Present tense singular.

Das Ehepaar trinkt Kaffee.

The married couple is drinking coffee.

Simple direct object.

Das junge Ehepaar sucht eine Wohnung.

The young married couple is looking for an apartment.

Adjective 'jung' in the nominative.

Wir haben ein nettes Ehepaar im Urlaub getroffen.

We met a nice married couple on vacation.

Perfect tense with 'getroffen'.

Das Ehepaar feiert heute seinen Hochzeitstag.

The married couple is celebrating their wedding anniversary today.

Possessive pronoun 'seinen' (referring to 'das Ehepaar').

In diesem Haus wohnen drei Ehepaare.

Three married couples live in this house.

Plural form 'Ehepaare'.

Das Ehepaar geht jeden Sonntag spazieren.

The married couple goes for a walk every Sunday.

Frequency adverb 'jeden Sonntag'.

Kennen Sie das Ehepaar von nebenan?

Do you know the married couple from next door?

Accusative object.

Das Ehepaar hat keine Kinder.

The married couple has no children.

Negation with 'keine'.

Gestern sah ich ein altes Ehepaar auf der Bank.

Yesterday I saw an old married couple on the bench.

Präteritum (past tense) of 'sehen'.

Das Ehepaar entschied sich, ein Haus auf dem Land zu kaufen.

The married couple decided to buy a house in the country.

Reflexive verb 'sich entscheiden'.

Die Kinder des Ehepaars sind bereits erwachsen.

The married couple's children are already grown up.

Genitive case 'des Ehepaars'.

Manchmal streitet sich das Ehepaar über das Geld.

Sometimes the married couple argues about money.

Reflexive verb 'sich streiten'.

Das Ehepaar wurde herzlich von den Nachbarn empfangen.

The married couple was warmly welcomed by the neighbors.

Passive voice 'wurde empfangen'.

Seit zehn Jahren ist dieses Ehepaar nun schon verheiratet.

This married couple has been married for ten years now.

Use of 'seit' with present tense.

Ich habe dem Ehepaar ein kleines Geschenk zur Einweihung gebracht.

I brought the married couple a small gift for the housewarming.

Dative case 'dem Ehepaar'.

Das Ehepaar teilt sich die Hausarbeit gerecht auf.

The married couple divides the housework fairly.

Separable verb 'aufteilen'.

In der Zeitung stand ein Bericht über ein mutiges Ehepaar.

There was a report in the newspaper about a brave married couple.

Preposition 'über' with accusative.

Das Ehepaar profitierte erheblich vom sogenannten Ehegattensplitting.

The married couple benefited significantly from the so-called marital tax splitting.

Verb 'profitieren' with 'von'.

Trotz ihrer Differenzen blieb das Ehepaar über Jahrzehnte zusammen.

Despite their differences, the married couple stayed together for decades.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.

Das Ehepaar hat gemeinsam ein erfolgreiches Unternehmen aufgebaut.

The married couple built a successful company together.

Perfect tense with 'aufgebaut'.

Die rechtliche Gleichstellung homosexueller Ehepaare war ein langer Prozess.

The legal equality of same-sex married couples was a long process.

Adjective declension in the genitive plural.

Das Ehepaar legte großen Wert auf eine gute Ausbildung seiner Kinder.

The married couple placed great value on a good education for their children.

Idiomatic expression 'Wert legen auf'.

Oft wird das Ehepaar als die kleinste Zelle der Gesellschaft bezeichnet.

Often the married couple is described as the smallest cell of society.

Passive voice with 'wird bezeichnet'.

Das Ehepaar beschloss, sein Vermögen einer Stiftung zu hinterlassen.

The married couple decided to leave their fortune to a foundation.

Infinitive clause with 'zu'.

Während der Krise hielt das Ehepaar fest zusammen.

During the crisis, the married couple stuck together firmly.

Temporal conjunction 'während'.

Die psychologische Dynamik innerhalb dieses Ehepaars ist äußerst komplex.

The psychological dynamic within this married couple is extremely complex.

Genitive 'dieses Ehepaars'.

Das Ehepaar fungiert in dem Roman als Spiegelbild gesellschaftlicher Missstände.

The married couple functions in the novel as a reflection of social grievances.

Verb 'fungieren' with 'als'.

Es ist faszinierend zu beobachten, wie das Ehepaar seine Konflikte nonverbal austrägt.

It is fascinating to observe how the married couple carries out its conflicts nonverbally.

Subordinate clause with 'wie'.

Die soziologische Forschung befasst sich intensiv mit der Stabilität von Ehepaaren.

Sociological research deals intensively with the stability of married couples.

Reflexive verb 'sich befassen mit'.

Das Ehepaar sah sich gezwungen, seine Zelte in der Heimat abzubrechen.

The married couple found themselves forced to pull up stakes in their homeland.

Idiomatic expression 'Zelte abbrechen'.

In der bürgerlichen Literatur des 19. Jahrhunderts war das Ehepaar oft ein zentrales Motiv.

In 19th-century bourgeois literature, the married couple was often a central motif.

Adjective 'bürgerlich' and historical context.

Das Ehepaar bewies in schwierigen Zeiten eine bemerkenswerte Resilienz.

The married couple proved remarkable resilience in difficult times.

Abstract noun 'Resilienz'.

Die gegenseitige Abhängigkeit innerhalb des Ehepaars kann sowohl Segen als auch Fluch sein.

The mutual dependence within the married couple can be both a blessing and a curse.

Correlative conjunction 'sowohl... als auch'.

Die ontologische Verbundenheit des Ehepaars entzieht sich einer rein rationalen Analyse.

The ontological connectedness of the married couple eludes a purely rational analysis.

High-level vocabulary 'ontologisch' and 'entziehen'.

In seinem Spätwerk dekonstruiert der Autor das Ideal des harmonischen Ehepaars.

In his late work, the author deconstructs the ideal of the harmonious married couple.

Verb 'dekonstruieren'.

Das Ehepaar personifiziert in dieser Allegorie die Vereinigung von Vernunft und Leidenschaft.

In this allegory, the married couple personifies the union of reason and passion.

Verb 'personifizieren'.

Die juristische Definition des Ehepaars hat über die Jahrhunderte signifikante Metamorphosen durchlaufen.

The legal definition of the married couple has undergone significant metamorphoses over the centuries.

Noun 'Metamorphosen'.

Das Ehepaar als Institution steht im Kreuzfeuer soziokultureller Transformationsprozesse.

The married couple as an institution is in the crossfire of socio-cultural transformation processes.

Compound noun 'Transformationsprozesse'.

Die subtile Ironie, mit der das Ehepaar porträtiert wird, entlarvt die Heuchelei der Gesellschaft.

The subtle irony with which the married couple is portrayed unmasks the hypocrisy of society.

Relative clause with 'mit der'.

Man kann das Ehepaar als ein autopoietisches System betrachten, das sich ständig selbst neu erschafft.

One can view the married couple as an autopoietic system that constantly recreates itself.

Philosophical term 'autopoietisch'.

Die existenzielle Einsamkeit, die das Ehepaar trotz seiner Zweisamkeit empfindet, ist das Hauptthema des Stücks.

The existential loneliness that the married couple feels despite their togetherness is the main theme of the play.

Contrast 'Einsamkeit' vs 'Zweisamkeit'.

Common Collocations

ein junges Ehepaar

ein glückliches Ehepaar

frischvermähltes Ehepaar

kinderloses Ehepaar

älteres Ehepaar

prominentes Ehepaar

verstrittenes Ehepaar

ein Ehepaar sein

ein Ehepaar vorstellen

Ehepaar mit Kindern

Common Phrases

Das frischgebackene Ehepaar

— The newly married couple. Used right after the wedding.

Das frischgebackene Ehepaar schnitt die Torte an.

Ein eingespieltes Ehepaar

— A couple that works well together and knows each other's habits perfectly.

Nach 40 Jahren sind sie ein eingespieltes Ehepaar.

Ein Ehepaar wie Hund und Katz

— A couple that is constantly arguing.

Die beiden sind ein Ehepaar wie Hund und Katz.

Das Ehepaar von Welt

— A sophisticated, well-traveled couple.

Sie präsentierten sich als Ehepaar von Welt.

Ein ungleiches Ehepaar

— A couple that seems very different from each other.

Sie sind ein ungleiches Ehepaar, aber sie lieben sich.

Ehepaar auf Zeit

— Used metaphorically for people acting like a couple for a short period.

In der Reality-Show waren sie ein Ehepaar auf Zeit.

Das perfekte Ehepaar

— A couple that seems to have no problems.

Nach außen hin waren sie immer das perfekte Ehepaar.

Ein kinderloses Ehepaar

— A married couple without children.

Sie sind ein kinderloses Ehepaar aus Überzeugung.

Das Ehepaar im Ruhestand

— A retired married couple.

Das Ehepaar im Ruhestand genießt seinen Garten.

Ein streitlustiges Ehepaar

— A couple that enjoys bickering.

Das streitlustige Ehepaar unterhielt die ganze Nachbarschaft.

Often Confused With

Ehepaar vs Paar

Paar is general, Ehepaar is specifically married. 'Paar' can also mean 'a pair of things' (like socks).

Ehepaar vs ein paar

Lower case 'ein paar' means 'a few'. 'Ein paar Ehepaare' means 'a few married couples'.

Ehepaar vs Brautpaar

Brautpaar is only for the wedding day itself.

Idioms & Expressions

"Wie ein altes Ehepaar streiten"

— To argue in a familiar, almost affectionate way like a couple that has been together forever.

Die beiden besten Freunde streiten wie ein altes Ehepaar.

informal

"Ein Herz und eine Seele sein"

— To be completely in sync and in agreement (often used for couples).

Das Ehepaar ist ein Herz und eine Seele.

neutral

"Unter die Haube kommen"

— To get married (literally: to come under the hood/cap).

Endlich ist das Ehepaar unter die Haube gekommen.

informal

"Den Bund fürs Leben schließen"

— To get married (literally: to close the bond for life).

Das Ehepaar schloss gestern den Bund fürs Leben.

formal

"Sich das Ja-Wort geben"

— To say 'I do' to each other.

Das Ehepaar gab sich in der kleinen Kapelle das Ja-Wort.

neutral

"In den Hafen der Ehe einlaufen"

— To get married (literally: to sail into the harbor of marriage).

Nach vielen Jahren sind sie endlich in den Hafen der Ehe eingelaufen.

literary

"Auf Wolke sieben schweben"

— To be on cloud nine (very happy/in love).

Das frischvermählte Ehepaar schwebt noch auf Wolke sieben.

informal

"Den gemeinsamen Weg gehen"

— To live life together as a couple.

Das Ehepaar beschloss, den gemeinsamen Weg zu gehen.

poetic

"Durch dick und dünn gehen"

— To stay together through good and bad times.

Als Ehepaar sind sie durch dick und dünn gegangen.

neutral

"Einen Korb geben"

— To reject a marriage proposal (literally: to give a basket).

Bevor sie ein Ehepaar wurden, hatte sie ihm fast einen Korb gegeben.

informal

Easily Confused

Ehepaar vs Paar

They look and sound similar.

Ehepaar is specifically for marriage; Paar is for any couple or two matching items.

Das Paar geht ins Kino. Das Ehepaar geht zum Standesamt.

Ehepaar vs Eheleute

Both refer to married people.

Ehepaar is singular/unit-focused; Eheleute is plural/individual-focused.

Das Ehepaar ist hier. Die Eheleute sind hier.

Ehepaar vs Ehepartner

Both relate to marriage.

Ehepartner refers to one person (the spouse); Ehepaar refers to both together.

Mein Ehepartner ist Lehrer. Wir sind ein Ehepaar.

Ehepaar vs Lebensgefährten

Both describe long-term partners.

Lebensgefährten is used for unmarried couples living together.

Sie sind Lebensgefährten, kein Ehepaar.

Ehepaar vs Zweisamkeit

Both describe two people together.

Zweisamkeit is the abstract feeling of being together as a couple; Ehepaar is the noun for the people.

Das Ehepaar genießt die Zweisamkeit.

Sentence Patterns

Das [Adjektiv] Ehepaar ist [Adjektiv].

Das kleine Ehepaar ist glücklich.

Ein [Adjektiv] Ehepaar sucht [Nomen].

Ein junges Ehepaar sucht eine Wohnung.

Das Ehepaar hat beschlossen, [Infinitiv mit zu].

Das Ehepaar hat beschlossen, ein Haus zu bauen.

Trotz [Genitiv] blieb das Ehepaar [Adjektiv].

Trotz aller Probleme blieb das Ehepaar zusammen.

Die [Nomen] innerhalb des Ehepaars ist [Adjektiv].

Die Kommunikation innerhalb des Ehepaars ist vorbildlich.

Das Ehepaar fungiert als [Metapher].

Das Ehepaar fungiert als Anker in der stürmischen See.

Wir haben das Ehepaar [Name] getroffen.

Wir haben das Ehepaar Schmidt getroffen.

Das Ehepaar feiert [Besitzanzeigendes Pronomen] [Nomen].

Das Ehepaar feiert seinen Hochzeitstag.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both written and spoken German.

Common Mistakes

Using a plural verb. → Das Ehepaar wohnt hier.
In German, collective nouns like 'Ehepaar' take singular verbs. Don't say 'Das Ehepaar wohnen'.
Incorrect gender (Der Ehepaar). → Das Ehepaar.
Compound nouns take the gender of the last element. 'Paar' is neuter, so 'Ehepaar' is neuter.
Confusing 'ein Paar' and 'ein paar'. → Ich sehe ein Ehepaar. (I see a married couple.)
Capital 'P' is for a couple/pair. Lowercase 'p' is for 'a few'.
Using 'Ehepaar' for one person. → Mein Ehemann kommt.
You cannot be 'an Ehepaar' by yourself. Use 'Ehemann' or 'Ehefrau' for individuals.
Misspelling 'Paar' as 'Par'. → Ehepaar.
Remember the double 'a' in 'Paar'. It's a common spelling mistake for beginners.

Tips

Singular Verb

Always use a singular verb with 'Ehepaar'. Even though it's two people, the word itself is singular. Say 'Das Ehepaar kommt' not 'Das Ehepaar kommen'.

Precision

Use 'Ehepaar' only if you are certain they are married. If you're unsure, 'Paar' is a safer and equally polite choice.

Capitalization

Always capitalize the 'E' in 'Ehepaar'. Also, remember the double 'a' in 'Paar'. It's not 'Par' or 'Pahr'.

Legal Status

In Germany, 'Ehepaar' implies they have been to the 'Standesamt'. A religious ceremony alone does not make them an 'Ehepaar' in the eyes of the law.

Introductions

When introducing a couple, say 'Das ist das Ehepaar [Name]'. It sounds very polite and respectful.

The 'E' Connection

Think of 'Ehe' as 'Eternal'. An 'Ehepaar' is an 'Eternal Pair'. This helps you remember both parts of the word.

Genitive Case

The genitive form 'des Ehepaars' is very common in formal German. Practice saying 'das Haus des Ehepaars'.

Opposites

The opposite of 'Ehepaar' isn't just one word, but you can think of 'Singles' or 'Alleinstehende' as the demographic opposites.

Anniversaries

Germans use 'Ehepaar' often when announcing anniversaries. 'Das Ehepaar feiert seine Silberhochzeit' (25 years).

Addressing Envelopes

When writing to a married couple, 'Ehepaar Schmidt' is a standard and safe way to address the envelope.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ehe' as 'Everlasting' and 'Paar' as 'Pair'. An Ehepaar is an Everlasting Pair.

Visual Association

Imagine two golden rings (Eheringe) linked together to form the word 'Ehe', sitting next to two people (Paar).

Word Web

Ehe Paar Hochzeit Ringe Liebe Gesetz Familie Haus

Challenge

Write three sentences describing a famous 'Ehepaar' without using their names, then ask a friend to guess who they are.

Word Origin

The word 'Ehepaar' is a combination of two Middle High German words. 'Ehe' comes from 'êwe', which originally meant 'law', 'eternity', or 'custom'. 'Paar' comes from the Latin 'par', meaning 'equal' or 'pair'.

Original meaning: A pair legally bound by custom and law.

Germanic (Ehe) and Latin (Paar).

Cultural Context

Be aware that while 'Ehepaar' is now inclusive of same-sex couples, some older individuals may still associate it with traditional gender roles. Use 'Paar' if you want to be more neutral.

In English, we often just say 'the couple'. In German, using 'Ehepaar' explicitly confirms they are married, which is more common in formal speech.

Loriot's sketches often featured a typical German 'Ehepaar' (e.g., 'Das Frühstücksei'). The Obamas are often cited as a 'Vorzeige-Ehepaar' (model couple) in German media. The 'Ehepaar' in Michael Haneke's film 'Amour' explores the end of a long life together.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Housing

Wohnung für Ehepaar gesucht
Ruhiges Ehepaar als Mieter
Zwei-Zimmer-Wohnung für Ehepaar
Ehepaar ohne Haustiere

Social Invitations

Wir laden das Ehepaar Müller herzlich ein.
An das Ehepaar Wagner
Platzreservierung für das Ehepaar
Geschenk für ein Ehepaar

Legal/Administrative

Gemeinsame Veranlagung für Ehepaare
Rechte des Ehepaars
Das Ehepaar ist gesetzlich verpflichtet
Eintragung als Ehepaar

Travel/Hotels

Doppelzimmer für ein Ehepaar
Ehepaar-Tarif
Reiseangebot für Ehepaare
Wellness für Ehepaare

Daily Observation

Ein nettes Ehepaar von nebenan
Das Ehepaar geht spazieren.
Ich kenne dieses Ehepaar nicht.
Sie sind ein schönes Ehepaar.

Conversation Starters

"Kennen Sie das Ehepaar, das in das neue Haus eingezogen ist?"

"Was ist Ihrer Meinung nach das Geheimnis eines glücklichen Ehepaars?"

"Haben Sie das Ehepaar Schmidt auf der Party gestern gesehen?"

"Glauben Sie, dass es für ein Ehepaar wichtig ist, die gleichen Hobbys zu haben?"

"Wie würde man ein typisches deutsches Ehepaar beschreiben?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreiben Sie ein Ehepaar, das Sie bewundern. Warum sind sie ein gutes Vorbild?

Was sind die größten Herausforderungen für ein junges Ehepaar in der heutigen Zeit?

Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie sind ein Ehepaar auf Weltreise. Wohin würden Sie gehen?

Reflektieren Sie über die Bedeutung des Wortes 'Ehepaar' im Vergleich zu 'Paar'.

Schreiben Sie eine Kurzgeschichte über ein Ehepaar, das einen mysteriösen Brief erhält.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, since 2017 in Germany, 'Ehepaar' is used for any two people who are legally married, including same-sex couples. It is a gender-neutral term for the unit.

No, it is descriptive. You wouldn't say 'Hallo Ehepaar'. Use 'Hallo ihr zwei' or 'Liebe Familie Schmidt'.

The plural is 'die Ehepaare'. For example: 'In diesem Dorf wohnen viele Ehepaare.'

In German, the gender of a compound noun is determined by the last word. 'Paar' is neuter (das Paar), so 'Ehepaar' must also be neuter.

Yes, it is more specific and formal. It explicitly states that the couple is legally married.

Use 'Eheleute' in very formal writing, like legal contracts or when addressing a couple in a formal letter (e.g., 'An die Eheleute Schmidt').

No, that sounds strange. You would say 'wir sind ein Ehepaar' (we are a married couple) or 'mein Ehemann/meine Ehefrau'.

It means 'newly married couple'. It is a common phrase used shortly after a wedding.

Yes, it is the diminutive and sounds more affectionate or informal, like 'a cute little married couple'.

No, 'Ehepaar' refers only to the two married partners. To include children, you would say 'die Familie'.