Bedeutung
Someone known for a long time.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Latvians value 'long-termism'. A 'vecs draugs' is often considered part of the family, invited to 'vārda dienas' (name days) and funerals alike. In many post-Soviet cultures, including Latvia, 'old friends' are the foundation of social safety nets, often helping each other with jobs or repairs. For Latvians living abroad (trimda), 'veci draugi' from the homeland are a vital link to their cultural identity. Student corporations in Latvia (fraternities/sororities) foster 'veci draugi' bonds that last for 50+ years.
The 'Vecais' Greeting
If you are very close to a male friend, just call him 'Vecais!' (Old man/Old friend) as a greeting. It's the Latvian equivalent of 'Dude!'
Gender Matters
Always remember to use 'draudzene' for women. Calling a woman 'vecs draugs' sounds like you are ignoring her gender.
Bedeutung
Someone known for a long time.
The 'Vecais' Greeting
If you are very close to a male friend, just call him 'Vecais!' (Old man/Old friend) as a greeting. It's the Latvian equivalent of 'Dude!'
Gender Matters
Always remember to use 'draudzene' for women. Calling a woman 'vecs draugs' sounds like you are ignoring her gender.
Don't Rush It
Don't call someone a 'vecs draugs' if you've only known them for a year. It usually implies at least 5-10 years of history.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'vecs draugs' or 'veca draudzene'.
Mēs ar Līgu mācījāmies kopā. Viņa ir mana ____.
Since Līga is a female name, you must use the feminine form 'veca draudzene'.
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase to mean 'long-time friend'?
Choose the correct sentence:
This sentence correctly uses 'vecs draugs' and provides context for the duration.
Match the Latvian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the various forms of the phrase in different cases and genders.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kas ir tas vīrietis? B: Tas ir Juris. Viņš ir mans ____.
In the context of identifying someone known for a long time, 'vecs draugs' is the most natural fit.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Vecs vs. Bijušais
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenMēs ar Līgu mācījāmies kopā. Viņa ir mana ____.
Since Līga is a female name, you must use the feminine form 'veca draudzene'.
Choose the correct sentence:
This sentence correctly uses 'vecs draugs' and provides context for the duration.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are the various forms of the phrase in different cases and genders.
A: Kas ir tas vīrietis? B: Tas ir Juris. Viņš ir mans ____.
In the context of identifying someone known for a long time, 'vecs draugs' is the most natural fit.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is a compliment! It means you value the long history you have together.
Usually no. You would use 'vīrs' or 'sieva'. However, you can say 'Viņa ir mana labākā draudzene' (She is my best friend).
'Vecs' is more common in daily speech; 'sens' is more formal or poetic.
Mēs esam veci draugi.
No, that would be confusing. Use 'vecāks kungs' instead.
Yes, 'vecais' for men is very common slang.
Yes, you can affectionately call an old car or book a 'vecs draugs'.
Mans vecākais draugs.
Only if you actually have a personal history with the person. Otherwise, use 'ilggadējs partneris'.
People will understand you, but it will sound very 'foreign'. Practice 'veca draudzene' separately!
Verwandte Redewendungen
sens draugs
synonymancient/long-time friend
bērnības draugs
specialized formchildhood friend
labākais draugs
similarbest friend
ģimenes draugs
similarfamily friend
paziņa
contrastacquaintance
