minderjährig em 30 segundos

  • Minderjährig means underage or minor.
  • It refers to individuals under the legal age of adulthood (18 in Germany).
  • Used in legal, official, and news contexts.
  • Distinguish from simply 'young'.
The German adjective "minderjährig" directly translates to "underage" or "minor" in English. It describes a person who has not yet reached the legal age of adulthood in Germany, which is 18. This term is crucial in legal contexts, discussing rights, responsibilities, and limitations that apply specifically to individuals below this age threshold. You'll encounter "minderjährig" in discussions about laws concerning drinking alcohol, driving, voting, entering into contracts, and even in family law, such as child custody or protection. It's a formal term, often found in official documents, news reports, and legal discussions, but it's also understood and used in everyday conversations when the legal status of a young person is relevant. For example, when talking about a teenager's ability to consent to certain things or their eligibility for specific programs designed for younger individuals, "minderjährig" would be the appropriate word. It's important to note that while "jung" (young) can sometimes be used colloquially, "minderjährig" specifically refers to the legal definition of not being an adult. The concept is universal, but the specific age and the legal implications can vary from country to country. In Germany, being "minderjährig" carries specific legal weight, distinguishing individuals from adults who have full legal capacity. This can affect everything from their ability to work full-time to their protection under the law.
Legal Age
In Germany, the age of majority is 18. Anyone below this age is considered minderjährig.
Legal Implications
Being minderjährig affects one's ability to enter contracts, make certain medical decisions, and be held fully responsible for actions in the same way an adult would be.

Ein 16-Jähriger ist noch minderjährig.

Das Gesetz schützt minderjährig Kinder.

Contexts
You will most frequently find this term in legal documents, news articles discussing youth-related issues, and discussions about parental rights and responsibilities.

Der minderjährig Sohn darf noch nicht allein Auto fahren.

Using "minderjährig" correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as an adjective. It typically follows the noun it describes or precedes it, agreeing in gender, number, and case. When used predicatively (after a linking verb like "sein" or "werden"), it doesn't change its form. For example, "Er ist minderjährig." (He is underage.) is correct. When it modifies a noun, it declines like other adjectives. For instance, "ein minderjähriger Junge" (an underage boy), "die minderjährige Tochter" (the underage daughter), or "ein minderjähriges Kind" (an underage child). The declension changes depending on the article and the case. You'll often see it used in constructions that specify the age, such as "unter 18 Jahren minderjährig" (under 18 years of age, underage). It's frequently paired with nouns like "Person," "Kind," "Jugendlicher," "Schüler," and "Täter" (person, child, teenager, pupil, perpetrator) to define their legal status. Consider sentences that highlight legal distinctions: "Für Minderjährige gelten andere Regeln." (Different rules apply to minors.) Here, "Minderjährige" is used as a noun, derived from the adjective. It's important to remember that "minderjährig" is a factual descriptor of legal status, not an opinion, and should be used precisely in contexts where that legal status is relevant. Avoid using it casually to simply mean "young" without the legal connotation. The word "volljährig" (of legal age) is its direct antonym and is often used in contrast. Practicing with various sentence structures, especially those involving legal or official scenarios, will help solidify its usage. For example, when discussing consent for medical treatments or the ability to sign contracts, the term "minderjährig" becomes essential.
Adjective Declension
When "minderjährig" modifies a noun, it declines. Examples: ein minderjähriger Junge (nominative), die minderjährige Tochter (nominative), ein minderjähriges Kind (nominative).

Der minderjährig Angeklagte wurde von einem Anwalt vertreten.

Predicative Use
When used after "sein," "werden," or "bleiben," the adjective form does not change. Example: "Sie ist minderjährig." (She is underage.)

Die Eltern unterschrieben den Vertrag für ihr minderjähriges Kind.

Ab welchem Alter gilt man als minderjährig?

Legal Context
This word is essential when discussing legal rights and responsibilities that differ based on age.
You'll most commonly hear "minderjährig" in formal settings or when discussing topics with legal implications. News reports often use it when covering crimes involving young offenders, discussions about child welfare, or debates on laws affecting young people, such as those related to social media access or the minimum age for certain activities. Legal professionals, such as lawyers and judges, use it frequently in courtrooms and official documents. Social workers and child protection agencies deal with "minderjährige" individuals on a daily basis, so the term is standard in their professional jargon. In educational settings, particularly when discussing school policies or student rights, it might also appear. For instance, a school principal might explain that "minderjährige Schüler" require parental consent for certain school trips. Parents might use it when discussing their child's legal status with authorities or other adults, for example, when explaining why their child cannot enter certain establishments or purchase certain items. While less common in casual, everyday chat among friends unless the topic specifically touches upon legal matters, it's a word that most German speakers understand due to its prevalence in media and official contexts. You might also hear it in discussions about inheritance laws, adoption, or the rights of children in divorce proceedings. The term is quite specific and carries a clear legal weight, so its usage is generally confined to situations where that legal distinction is important. It's not a word used for general descriptions of youth, but rather for their legal standing.
News Media
Reports on youth crime, child protection, or legal changes affecting young people often feature this term.

Die Zeitung berichtete über minderjährig Straftäter.

Legal Settings
Lawyers, judges, and officials use "minderjährig" when discussing cases involving individuals under 18.

Das Gericht prüft die Rechte des minderjährig Kindes.

Schulen informieren Eltern über minderjährig Schüler.

Social Services
Child welfare organizations use this term as a standard descriptor.
One of the most common mistakes for learners is using "minderjährig" interchangeably with "jung" (young). While underage individuals are generally young, "minderjährig" specifically denotes their legal status of not being an adult (under 18 in Germany). Using "minderjährig" to simply describe someone as young, without any legal implication, would be incorrect and sound unnatural. For instance, saying "Mein minderjähriger Hund ist sehr jung" (My underage dog is very young) is nonsensical because dogs don't have a legal age of majority in the human sense. Another potential pitfall is incorrect adjective declension. As "minderjährig" is an adjective, it needs to agree with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. Learners might forget to add the correct endings, leading to grammatical errors like "ein minderjährig Junge" instead of "ein minderjähriger Junge." Similarly, confusion can arise with the noun form. While "der Minderjährige" (the minor) is correct, learners might mistakenly try to pluralize the adjective itself without forming the proper noun. For example, incorrectly forming "minderjährigen" as a plural noun without context. Overusing the term "minderjährig" in situations where it's not legally relevant can also be a mistake. If you're just talking about a child playing or a teenager listening to music, and their legal status isn't pertinent, using a more general term like "jung" or "ein Kind/Jugendlicher" would be more appropriate and natural. Finally, some learners might confuse it with similar-sounding words or misinterpret its exact legal boundaries, assuming it applies to different age groups than it actually does in Germany. Always remember that "minderjährig" is tied to the legal age of 18.
Confusing with "jung"
"Minderjährig" refers to legal status (under 18), while "jung" simply means young. Do not use them interchangeably.

Falsch: Er ist ein junger Mann, aber nicht minderjährig.

Adjective Declension Errors
Forgetting to add correct adjective endings when "minderjährig" modifies a noun is a common grammatical mistake.

Falsch: Das minderjährig Kind.

Richtig: Das minderjährige Kind.

Falsch: Er hat minderjährig Freunde.

Richtig: Er hat minderjährige Freunde.

Overuse
Using "minderjährig" when the legal status isn't relevant can sound unnatural.
While "minderjährig" is the precise term for "underage" in a legal context, several other words and phrases can be used depending on the nuance and formality. The most direct antonym is "volljährig," meaning "of legal age" or "adult." In many situations, instead of saying someone "is underage," you might say they "are not yet of legal age." This is expressed as "noch nicht volljährig." This phrase is slightly less formal than "minderjährig" and is very common in everyday conversation. For a more general, less legalistic term for a young person, you can use "jung" (young). However, "jung" lacks the specific legal connotation of "minderjährig." You might also use nouns that imply youth, such as "Kind" (child), "Jugendlicher" (teenager/adolescent), or "Heranwachsender" (young person, typically between 18 and 21, who might still be treated as a minor in some legal aspects, although technically "volljährig"). In very informal or colloquial speech, you might hear phrases like "noch ein Kind" (still a child) or "nicht geschäftsfähig" (not legally capable of conducting business), though the latter is more specific to contractual ability and less of a general term for underage status. When comparing "minderjährig" to "jung," "jung" describes a state of being young, while "minderjährig" describes a legal classification. A 70-year-old can be "jung geblieben" (stayed young) but is certainly not "minderjährig." Conversely, a 16-year-old is "minderjährig" and also "jung." The term "unerfahren" (inexperienced) might sometimes be associated with young people but is not a synonym for "minderjährig."
Volljährig
The direct opposite of minderjährig, meaning of legal age (18+).
Noch nicht volljährig
A common, slightly less formal alternative meaning "not yet of legal age.".
Jung
Means "young." Lacks the specific legal connotation of "minderjährig." A 16-year-old is both jung and minderjährig; a 70-year-old is not minderjährig but might be described as jung geblieben.
Kind / Jugendlicher
Nouns meaning "child" and "teenager/adolescent." These describe age groups but not necessarily legal status.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The structure 'minder-' + '-jährig' is common in German for age-related terms, such as 'mehrjährig' (multi-year, several years old) or 'einjährig' (one-year-old). This indicates a systematic way of forming words related to duration or age.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈmɪndɐˌjɛːʁɪç/
US /ˈmɪndərˌjɛːrɪk/
Primary stress on the first syllable ('MIN-'), secondary stress on the third syllable ('-jɛːR-').
Rima com
geistreich weiträumig mustergültig eindeutig reichlich vorsorglich fragwürdig sorgfältig
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the final 'g' as a hard 'g' sound instead of 'ch'.
  • Incorrect stress placement, e.g., stressing the second syllable.
  • Not properly articulating the 'r' sound.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Understanding 'minderjährig' in reading requires grasping its legal context. Texts might use complex sentence structures or legal jargon, but the word itself is relatively straightforward once its meaning is known. The CEFR A2 level indicates it's accessible for intermediate learners.

Escrita 3/5
Expressão oral 3/5
Audição 3/5

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

jung (young) Kind (child) Alter (age) Gesetz (law) Recht (right) volljährig (of legal age)

Aprenda a seguir

Jugendlicher (teenager) Heranwachsender (young person, 18-21) Erziehungsberechtigte (guardians) Geschäftsfähigkeit (legal capacity) Strafmündigkeit (criminal responsibility)

Avançado

Urteilsfähigkeit (capacity to judge) Mündigkeit (maturity/adulthood) Vormundschaft (guardianship) Jugendstrafrecht (juvenile criminal law)

Gramática essencial

Adjective Declension

The adjective 'minderjährig' needs to agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. For example: 'ein minderjähriger Junge' (nominative masculine), 'die minderjährige Frau' (nominative feminine), 'ein minderjähriges Kind' (nominative neuter).

Predicative Use of Adjectives

When 'minderjährig' follows a linking verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become), it does not change its form. For example: 'Er ist minderjährig.' (He is underage.) 'Sie wird minderjährig bleiben, bis sie 18 ist.' (She will remain underage until she is 18.)

Noun Formation from Adjectives

The adjective 'minderjährig' can be nominalized to form nouns like 'der Minderjährige' (male minor) and 'die Minderjährige' (female minor), and their plural forms 'die Minderjährigen'. These nouns decline like strong nouns. For example: 'Der Minderjährige stimmte zu.' (The minor agreed.)

Use of Prepositions with Noun Forms

When using the noun form 'Minderjährige' (minors), it often follows prepositions that require specific cases. For instance, 'für Minderjährige' (for minors - dative plural) or 'an Minderjährige' (to minors - dative plural).

Genitive Case with 'minderjährig'

In the genitive case, 'minderjährig' requires correct declension. For example: 'Die Rechte eines minderjährigen Kindes' (The rights of an underage child).

Exemplos por nível

1

Das Kind ist minderjährig.

The child is underage.

Basic sentence structure: Subject + verb + adjective.

2

Er ist minderjährig.

He is underage.

"minderjährig" used predicatively (after 'ist').

3

Sie ist noch minderjährig.

She is still underage.

Adverb 'noch' (still) emphasizes the ongoing state.

4

Ist er minderjährig?

Is he underage?

Inverted sentence structure for a yes/no question.

5

Das ist ein minderjähriges Kind.

That is an underage child.

Adjective 'minderjährig' declines to 'minderjähriges' before the neuter noun 'Kind' in the nominative case.

6

Der Sohn ist minderjährig.

The son is underage.

Definite article 'Der' before masculine noun 'Sohn'.

7

Sie sind minderjährig.

They are underage.

Plural subject 'Sie' with the adjective 'minderjährig'.

8

Das ist ein minderjähriger Junge.

That is an underage boy.

Adjective 'minderjährig' declines to 'minderjähriger' before the masculine noun 'Junge' in the nominative case.

1

Der minderjährige Sohn darf noch nicht Auto fahren.

The underage son is not allowed to drive a car yet.

Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before masculine noun 'Sohn' in nominative case. Modal verb 'darf nicht' (is not allowed).

2

Für minderjährige Personen gelten andere Regeln.

Different rules apply to underage persons.

Preposition 'Für' followed by accusative case. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before feminine noun 'Personen' (plural).

3

Sie muss zustimmen, weil sie minderjährig ist.

She has to consent because she is underage.

Subordinate clause introduced by 'weil'. Predicative use of 'minderjährig'.

4

Der minderjährige Angeklagte wurde verhört.

The underage defendant was interrogated.

Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before masculine noun 'Angeklagte' in nominative case. Passive voice 'wurde verhört'.

5

Man darf Alkohol nicht an Minderjährige verkaufen.

One is not allowed to sell alcohol to minors.

Use of the noun form 'Minderjährige' (minors) in the dative case after 'an'.

6

Das Gesetz schützt minderjährige Kinder.

The law protects underage children.

Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before neuter noun 'Kinder' (plural) in accusative case.

7

Die Eltern unterschreiben für ihr minderjähriges Kind.

The parents sign for their underage child.

Preposition 'für' followed by accusative case. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before neuter noun 'Kind'.

8

Er ist noch nicht volljährig, also minderjährig.

He is not yet of legal age, therefore underage.

Using 'volljährig' and 'minderjährig' in contrast. Conjunction 'also' (therefore).

1

Die Zustimmung eines minderjährigen Erziehungsberechtigten ist erforderlich.

The consent of an underage guardian is required.

Genitive case: 'eines minderjährigen Erziehungsberechtigten'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährigen'.

2

In vielen Ländern ist das Rauchen für Minderjährige verboten.

In many countries, smoking is forbidden for minors.

Noun form 'Minderjährige' used in the dative case after 'für'.

3

Der minderjährige Zeuge musste unter Aufsicht aussagen.

The underage witness had to testify under supervision.

Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before masculine noun 'Zeuge' in nominative case. 'unter Aufsicht' (under supervision).

4

Wir müssen sicherstellen, dass die Informationen für Minderjährige verständlich sind.

We must ensure that the information is understandable for minors.

Noun form 'Minderjährige' in dative case. Verb 'sicherstellen' (to ensure).

5

Das minderjährige Kind wurde vom Jugendamt betreut.

The underage child was cared for by the youth welfare office.

Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before neuter noun 'Kind' in nominative case. Passive voice 'wurde betreut'.

6

Ein minderjähriger Fahrer verursacht oft mehr Risiken.

An underage driver often causes more risks.

Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before masculine noun 'Fahrer' in nominative case.

7

Die Regelung gilt nicht für minderjährige Angestellte.

The regulation does not apply to underage employees.

Preposition 'für' followed by accusative case. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before masculine noun 'Angestellte' (plural).

8

Es ist wichtig, die Rechte von Minderjährigen zu wahren.

It is important to uphold the rights of minors.

Genitive case: 'von Minderjährigen'. Noun form 'Minderjährigen' in genitive plural.

1

Die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen unterscheiden sich für Minderjährige und Volljährige erheblich.

The legal frameworks differ considerably for minors and adults.

Noun form 'Minderjährige' in dative plural. Comparison with 'Volljährige'. Adverb 'erheblich' (considerably).

2

Ein minderjähriger Täter kann unter Umständen nach Jugendstrafrecht verurteilt werden.

An underage perpetrator can under certain circumstances be sentenced under juvenile criminal law.

Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before masculine noun 'Täter' in nominative case. Complex sentence structure.

3

Die Erziehungsberechtigten müssen der Reise zustimmen, da ihr Kind minderjährig ist.

The guardians must consent to the trip because their child is underage.

Subordinate clause introduced by 'da'. Predicative use of 'minderjährig'.

4

Die Veröffentlichung von Fotos Minderjähriger bedarf einer ausdrücklichen Genehmigung.

The publication of photos of minors requires explicit permission.

Genitive case: 'Fotos Minderjähriger'. Noun form 'Minderjähriger' in genitive plural.

5

Es gab eine Debatte darüber, ob das Mindestalter für den Führerschein für Minderjährige gesenkt werden sollte.

There was a debate about whether the minimum age for a driver's license for minors should be lowered.

Complex sentence with subjunctive ('sollte'). Noun form 'Minderjährige' in dative plural.

6

Die medizinische Behandlung eines minderjährigen Patienten erfordert oft die Einwilligung der Sorgeberechtigten.

The medical treatment of an underage patient often requires the consent of the legal guardians.

Genitive case: 'eines minderjährigen Patienten'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährigen'.

7

Die neuen Bestimmungen betreffen sowohl Minderjährige als auch Heranwachsende.

The new provisions concern both minors and young adults.

Noun forms 'Minderjährige' and 'Heranwachsende' in accusative plural. Conjunction 'sowohl...als auch' (both...and).

8

Ein minderjähriger Arbeitnehmer hat Anspruch auf bestimmte Schutzmaßnahmen am Arbeitsplatz.

An underage employee is entitled to specific protective measures in the workplace.

Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before masculine noun 'Arbeitnehmer' in nominative case.

1

Die komplexen juristischen Implikationen im Umgang mit minderjährigen Straftätern erfordern besondere Sorgfalt.

The complex legal implications in dealing with underage offenders require special care.

Genitive case: 'minderjähriger Straftäter'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjähriger' before masculine noun 'Straftäter' in genitive case.

2

Die Schutzbedürftigkeit von Minderjährigen im digitalen Raum ist ein zunehmend diskutiertes Thema.

The vulnerability of minors in the digital space is an increasingly discussed topic.

Genitive case: 'von Minderjährigen'. Noun form 'Minderjährigen' in genitive plural. Abstract nouns.

3

Die Verabschiedung von Gesetzen, die minderjährige Konsumenten schützen sollen, ist ein fortlaufender Prozess.

The enactment of laws intended to protect underage consumers is an ongoing process.

Participial construction: 'minderjährige Konsumenten schützen sollen'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährige' before masculine noun 'Konsumenten' in accusative plural.

4

Die Unterscheidung zwischen Minderjährigkeit und Jugendstrafrecht ist juristisch präzise zu handhaben.

The distinction between minority and juvenile criminal law must be handled with legal precision.

Noun form 'Minderjährigkeit' (minority). Noun form 'Minderjährigen' in genitive singular used abstractly.

5

Die Frage der strafrechtlichen Verantwortlichkeit minderjähriger Täter wirft ethische Dilemmata auf.

The question of the criminal responsibility of underage offenders raises ethical dilemmas.

Genitive case: 'minderjähriger Täter'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjähriger' before masculine noun 'Täter' in genitive case.

6

Die Regulierung des Zugangs zu Inhalten für Minderjährige im Internet ist eine globale Herausforderung.

The regulation of access to content for minors on the internet is a global challenge.

Noun form 'Minderjährige' in dative plural. Complex noun phrases.

7

Die Beweislastumkehr bei minderjährigen Beschuldigten kann in bestimmten Fällen greifen.

The reversal of the burden of proof for underage accused can apply in certain cases.

Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährigen' before masculine noun 'Beschuldigten' in dative case.

8

Die psychologische Entwicklung minderjähriger Opfer von Gewalt erfordert spezialisierte therapeutische Ansätze.

The psychological development of underage victims of violence requires specialized therapeutic approaches.

Genitive case: 'minderjähriger Opfer'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjähriger' before masculine noun 'Opfer' in genitive case.

1

Die juristische Anerkennung der Autonomie minderjähriger Personen in medizinischen Belangen ist Gegenstand fortwährender Debatten.

The legal recognition of the autonomy of underage persons in medical matters is the subject of ongoing debates.

Genitive case: 'minderjähriger Personen'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjähriger' before feminine noun 'Personen' in genitive plural. Complex vocabulary.

2

Die Komplexität der Gesetzgebung bezüglich minderjähriger Straftäter spiegelt die gesellschaftliche Auseinandersetzung mit Jugendkriminalität wider.

The complexity of legislation regarding underage offenders reflects society's engagement with juvenile delinquency.

Genitive case: 'minderjähriger Straftäter'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjähriger' before masculine noun 'Straftäter' in genitive case. Abstract and formal language.

3

Die Erörterung der Kapazitäten minderjähriger Zeugen vor Gericht erfordert eine sorgfältige Abwägung von Entwicklungsstand und Glaubwürdigkeit.

The discussion of the capacities of underage witnesses in court requires a careful balancing of developmental stage and credibility.

Genitive case: 'minderjähriger Zeugen'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjähriger' before masculine noun 'Zeugen' in genitive plural. Nuanced vocabulary.

4

Die ethische Dimension der digitalen Datenerfassung von minderjährigen Nutzern wirft Fragen des Datenschutzes und der Privatsphäre auf.

The ethical dimension of the digital data collection of underage users raises questions of data protection and privacy.

Genitive case: 'minderjährigen Nutzern'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjährigen' before masculine noun 'Nutzern' in dative plural (after 'von').

5

Die Reform des Kindschaftsrechts zielt darauf ab, die Rechte und Schutzmechanismen für Minderjährige umfassender zu gestalten.

The reform of family law aims to create more comprehensive rights and protection mechanisms for minors.

Noun form 'Minderjährige' in dative plural. Formal verbs and nouns.

6

Die Unterscheidung zwischen Delinquenz bei Minderjährigen und Erwachsenen bedingt unterschiedliche juristische und pädagogische Ansätze.

The distinction between delinquency in minors and adults necessitates different legal and pedagogical approaches.

Noun form 'Minderjährigen' in dative plural. Abstract concepts and formal vocabulary.

7

Die Debatte um die Herabsetzung des Wahlalters für Minderjährige berührt fundamentale Aspekte der politischen Partizipation.

The debate about lowering the voting age for minors touches upon fundamental aspects of political participation.

Noun form 'Minderjährige' in dative plural. Formal and abstract language.

8

Die psychologische Resilienz minderjähriger Opfer von Traumata ist ein Forschungsfeld, das fortlaufend neue Erkenntnisse generiert.

The psychological resilience of underage victims of trauma is a field of research that continuously generates new insights.

Genitive case: 'minderjähriger Opfer'. Declension of 'minderjährig' to 'minderjähriger' before neuter noun 'Opfer' in genitive plural. Specialized vocabulary.

Colocações comuns

minderjährig sein
minderjähriges Kind
minderjähriger Täter
für Minderjährige
minderjährige Person
minderjähriger Schüler
minderjähriger Fahrer
minderjährige Zeuge
minderjähriger Vertragspartner
minderjähriger Sohn/Tochter

Frases Comuns

noch minderjährig

— Still underage. Emphasizes that the legal age has not yet been reached.

Er ist erst 17 und somit noch minderjährig.

nicht mehr minderjährig

— No longer underage. Indicates that the person has reached the legal age of adulthood.

Nach ihrem Geburtstag ist sie nicht mehr minderjährig.

minderjährig und somit...

— Underage and therefore... Connects the legal status to a consequence or characteristic.

Minderjährig und somit nicht geschäftsfähig, kann er keinen Kredit aufnehmen.

als Minderjähriger

— As a minor. Refers to the status or role of being underage.

Als Minderjähriger durfte er das Kino nicht betreten.

Schutz für Minderjährige

— Protection for minors. Refers to legal or social measures designed to safeguard young people.

Das Gesetz bietet Schutz für Minderjährige vor Ausbeutung.

Rechte von Minderjährigen

— Rights of minors. Refers to the specific legal entitlements of underage individuals.

Die Rechte von Minderjährigen sind in der UN-Kinderrechtskonvention festgelegt.

Vertrag mit Minderjährigen

— Contract with minors. Refers to the legal validity and implications of contracts entered into by underage individuals.

Ein Vertrag mit Minderjährigen ist oft anfechtbar.

Erlaubnis für Minderjährige

— Permission for minors. Refers to the need for parental or guardian consent for certain actions by underage individuals.

Für diese Reise benötigen wir eine Erlaubnis für Minderjährige.

Jugendliche und Minderjährige

— Teenagers and minors. Often used together to encompass a broad range of young people.

Die Kampagne richtet sich an Jugendliche und Minderjährige.

Minderjährige und Volljährige

— Minors and adults. Used to draw a clear distinction based on legal age.

Die Regeln sind für Minderjährige und Volljährige unterschiedlich.

Frequentemente confundido com

minderjährig vs jung

'Jung' simply means 'young' and describes a general state of youth. 'Minderjährig' is a specific legal status referring to being under the age of 18. A person can be 'jung' without being 'minderjährig' (e.g., a young-looking 70-year-old), and vice-versa (though less common in practice, conceptually someone could be legally 'minderjährig' but appear mature).

minderjährig vs Kind

'Kind' means 'child'. Children are always 'minderjährig', but not all 'minderjährig' individuals are children (e.g., teenagers aged 16 or 17).

minderjährig vs volljährig

This is the direct antonym, meaning 'of legal age' or 'adult'. It signifies having reached or surpassed the age of 18.

Fácil de confundir

minderjährig vs jung

Both refer to young people.

'Minderjährig' is a precise legal term for being under the age of 18. 'Jung' is a general adjective meaning 'young' and lacks this specific legal connotation. You would say 'ein junger Mann' (a young man) but 'ein minderjähriger Mann' if his legal status as underage is relevant.

Der junge Mann ist 17 Jahre alt und somit minderjährig.

minderjährig vs Kind

Children are always underage.

'Kind' refers to a young human being, typically below the age of puberty or adolescence. 'Minderjährig' refers to the legal status of not having reached the age of majority (18 in Germany). A 16-year-old is 'minderjährig' but might be considered a 'Jugendlicher' (teenager) rather than a 'Kind'.

Das minderjährige Kind braucht die Erlaubnis seiner Eltern.

minderjährig vs volljährig

They are opposites related to age.

'Minderjährig' means underage (under 18). 'Volljährig' means of legal age (18 or older). They are mutually exclusive states. 'Sobald du volljährig bist, bist du nicht mehr minderjährig.' (As soon as you are of legal age, you are no longer underage.)

Er wird bald 18 und damit volljährig.

minderjährig vs Heranwachsender

Both refer to young people, and 'Heranwachsender' has legal implications.

'Minderjährig' refers to individuals strictly under 18. 'Heranwachsender' refers to young people between 18 and 21 who, while legally adults ('volljährig'), can sometimes be treated under juvenile law. So, a 'Heranwachsender' is not 'minderjährig'.

Der Täter war minderjährig, während sein Komplize ein Heranwachsender war.

minderjährig vs geschäftsfähig

Often linked to being underage.

'Geschäftsfähig' means having the legal capacity to enter into contracts. This capacity is generally acquired upon reaching the age of majority ('volljährig'). Therefore, 'minderjährige' individuals are typically *not* 'geschäftsfähig', but 'geschäftsfähig' describes a specific legal capability rather than the overall age status.

Da er minderjährig ist, ist er nicht geschäftsfähig und kann keinen Handyvertrag abschließen.

Padrões de frases

A1

Subject + ist/sind + minderjährig.

Das Kind ist minderjährig.

A1

Ist + Subject + minderjährig?

Ist er minderjährig?

A2

Ein/Eine + minderjährig-declined + Nomen.

Das ist ein minderjähriges Kind.

A2

Für + minderjährig-declined + Nomen (plural).

Für minderjährige Personen gelten andere Regeln.

A2

Subordinate clause (weil/da) + Subject + minderjährig + Verb.

Sie muss zustimmen, weil sie minderjährig ist.

B1

Genitive + minderjährig-declined + Nomen.

Die Zustimmung eines minderjährigen Erziehungsberechtigten...

B1

Noun form (Minderjährige) + Verb (dative case).

Man darf Alkohol nicht an Minderjährige verkaufen.

B2

Complex sentence with modals or passive voice involving 'minderjährig'.

Ein minderjähriger Täter kann nach Jugendstrafrecht verurteilt werden.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

der Minderjährige (male minor)
die Minderjährige (female minor)
die Minderjährigkeit (minority, state of being underage)

Adjetivos

minderjährig

Relacionado

volljährig (of legal age)
jung (young)
Kind (child)
Jugendlicher (teenager)
Heranwachsender (young person, 18-21)

Como usar

frequency

High in legal and news contexts, medium in general discussions where age is legally relevant.

Erros comuns
  • Using 'minderjährig' to mean simply 'young'. Use 'jung' for general youthfulness; use 'minderjährig' for the legal status of being under 18.

    'Minderjährig' is a legal term. While underage people are usually young, the word specifically refers to their legal classification. Using it for general youthfulness is inaccurate.

  • Incorrect adjective declension. Ensure correct endings based on gender, number, and case: 'ein minderjährig<b>er</b> Junge', 'die minderjährig<b>e</b> Tochter', 'ein minderjährig<b>es</b> Kind'.

    Forgetting to add the correct endings when 'minderjährig' modifies a noun is a common grammatical error for learners.

  • Confusing 'minderjährig' with 'volljährig'. 'Minderjährig' means underage (under 18); 'volljährig' means of legal age (18+).

    These are direct opposites. Understanding their distinct meanings is fundamental to using 'minderjährig' correctly.

  • Overusing the noun form 'Minderjährige' without proper case endings. Apply correct case endings: 'für Minderjährige' (dative plural), 'von Minderjährigen' (genitive plural).

    When referring to minors as a group, the noun form is used, and it must decline according to the grammatical case required by the sentence structure.

  • Using 'minderjährig' predicatively without changing its form. When used after 'sein', 'werden', etc., 'minderjährig' does not change: 'Er ist minderjährig.'

    This is a correct grammatical pattern, but learners might mistakenly try to decline it even when it's used predicatively.

Dicas

Adjective Declension is Key

Remember that 'minderjährig' is an adjective and must agree with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. Forgetting the correct endings is a common mistake. For example, 'ein minderjähriger Junge' but 'ein minderjähriges Mädchen'.

Distinguish from 'jung'

While 'minderjährig' describes young people, its core meaning is legal: under the age of 18. 'Jung' simply means 'young' and doesn't carry this legal weight. Use 'minderjährig' when the legal status is relevant.

Context Matters

You'll most often encounter 'minderjährig' in formal contexts like legal documents, news reports, or discussions about laws. In casual conversation, 'noch nicht volljährig' (not yet of legal age) might be used more frequently.

Master the 'ch' sound

The final 'g' in 'minderjährig' is pronounced as a soft 'ch' sound, similar to the 'ch' in 'ich'. Practice saying 'minder-yair-ich' to get the sound right.

Connect to 'minor'

Think of 'minderjährig' as 'minor-aged'. The 'minder' part sounds like 'minor', and 'jährig' relates to age. This helps recall that it means someone is legally a minor.

Age of 18 is Crucial

In Germany, turning 18 is a significant milestone as it marks the transition from being 'minderjährig' to 'volljährig', granting full legal rights and responsibilities. This is a key cultural concept tied to the word.

Noun Form Usage

The noun form 'Minderjährige' (minors) is common, especially in legal or official contexts. For example, 'Diese Regelung gilt für Minderjährige.' (This regulation applies to minors.)

Sentence Building

Create your own sentences using 'minderjährig' in different grammatical structures (predicative, attributive, with nouns). This active practice is crucial for retention.

Alternatives for Nuance

While 'minderjährig' is precise, 'noch nicht volljährig' is a good neutral alternative. 'Jung' is for general youthfulness, not legal status.

Legal and News Focus

Expect to hear and read 'minderjährig' most frequently in news articles, legal discussions, and official announcements related to youth. Understanding this context helps in comprehension.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a young person who is 'min-der' (fewer) years old than the full adult age. They are still 'jährig' (aged) but not enough years to be fully adult.

Associação visual

Picture a timeline with milestones. One milestone is '18 Jahre'. Anyone before this point is 'minderjährig'. You could draw a red cross over the years before 18.

Word Web

minderjährig underage minor legal age 18 years child teenager not adult law rights

Desafio

Try to explain to someone what 'minderjährig' means using only simple German words you know, focusing on the legal aspect of not being 18 yet.

Origem da palavra

The word 'minderjährig' is a compound word formed from 'minder' (less, fewer) and 'jährig' (yearly, aged). It literally means 'less yearly' or 'fewer years old'. This construction directly reflects the concept of not having completed the required number of years to be considered an adult.

Significado original: Less yearly; having fewer years.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

While 'minderjährig' is a neutral legal term, it's important to use it respectfully. Avoid using it in a derogatory way. The focus should be on the legal status rather than making judgments about the individual.

In English-speaking countries, the term 'underage' or 'minor' serves the same purpose, with the age of majority typically being 18, though it can vary slightly.

The German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch - BGB) extensively defines the rights and limitations of minors. The German Juvenile Court Law (Jugendgerichtsgesetz - JGG) specifically addresses the legal proceedings for underage offenders. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Germany, outlines the rights of all children, who are inherently 'minderjährig'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Legal documents and discussions about laws concerning young people.

  • minderjährige Täter
  • Zustimmung minderjähriger Eltern
  • Rechte minderjähriger Kinder
  • Gesetz für Minderjährige

News reports about youth crime, child welfare, or age-related regulations.

  • minderjährige Straftäter
  • Schutz von Minderjährigen
  • Alkohol für Minderjährige
  • Debatte um Minderjährige

Discussions about parental responsibility and consent.

  • minderjähriges Kind
  • Erlaubnis für Minderjährige
  • Eltern von Minderjährigen
  • Für Minderjährige gelten...

Everyday conversations when the legal age is relevant (e.g., purchasing age, driving age).

  • noch minderjährig
  • nicht mehr minderjährig
  • Als Minderjähriger darfst du nicht...

Educational or social services contexts.

  • minderjährige Schüler
  • Jugendamt und Minderjährige
  • Betreuung Minderjähriger

Iniciadores de conversa

"What age is considered 'minderjährig' in Germany?"

"Can you give an example of a situation where being 'minderjährig' has legal consequences?"

"What's the difference between 'minderjährig' and simply 'jung'?"

"What are some rights that 'minderjährige' individuals have?"

"How does being 'minderjährig' affect a person's ability to enter into contracts?"

Temas para diário

Describe a time when your age affected what you were allowed to do. Were you 'minderjährig' then?

Imagine you are writing a letter to a younger person explaining what it means to be 'minderjährig'. What advice would you give them?

Research the specific age limits for certain activities in Germany (e.g., driving, drinking alcohol) and explain how they relate to being 'minderjährig'.

Reflect on the transition from being 'minderjährig' to 'volljährig'. What changed for you or someone you know?

Discuss the importance of protecting 'minderjährige' individuals in today's society.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

In Germany, the legal age of adulthood is 18. Anyone below this age is considered 'minderjährig' (underage/minor).

Generally, 'minderjährige' individuals have limited contractual capacity. Contracts signed by them are often voidable or require the consent of their legal guardians ('Erziehungsberechtigte'). They are typically not considered 'geschäftsfähig' (legally capable of conducting business) until they reach the age of 18.

'Minderjährig' refers specifically to the legal status of being under the age of 18. 'Jung' simply means 'young' and describes a general state of youth without legal implications. For example, a 16-year-old is both 'jung' and 'minderjährig', but a 70-year-old is not 'minderjährig' even if they are described as 'jung geblieben' (stayed young).

Yes, in specific circumstances, individuals between 16 and 18 might have expanded rights, for example, regarding employment or consent to certain medical treatments, but they are still legally considered 'minderjährig' until they turn 18.

When referring to criminal law, 'minderjährig' indicates that the individual is subject to juvenile court proceedings ('Jugendstrafrecht'), which often focus more on rehabilitation than punishment compared to adult criminal law. The age of criminal responsibility ('Strafmündigkeit') is also a related concept.

The primary German term is 'minderjährig'. You can also use the phrase 'noch nicht volljährig' (not yet of legal age) or refer to 'Minderjährige' (minors) as a noun.

Yes, 'minderjährig' applies to everyone in Germany who has not yet reached their 18th birthday. This legal status has implications for various aspects of their lives, from education to legal rights and responsibilities.

The noun forms are 'der Minderjährige' (a male minor), 'die Minderjährige' (a female minor), and 'die Minderjährigen' (minors, plural). The abstract noun for the state of being underage is 'die Minderjährigkeit'.

Use 'minderjährig' when the legal status of being under 18 is relevant, such as in legal, official, or news contexts. Use 'jung' for general descriptions of youth when the legal aspect is not important.

Upon turning 18, a person becomes 'volljährig' (of legal age). They gain full legal capacity, including the right to vote, enter into contracts without guardian consent, and are fully subject to adult criminal law.

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