At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn about family. You probably know words like 'Vater' (father), 'Bruder' (brother), and 'Onkel' (uncle). The word 'Verwandter' might seem a bit long and difficult right now, but it is very useful. It is a general word that means 'a male relative'. Think of it as a 'category' word. Instead of listing every single person in your family, you can just say 'mein Verwandter'. At this level, don't worry too much about the complicated grammar rules. Just try to remember that if you want to say 'a relative', you say 'ein Verwandter'. If you want to say 'the relative', you say 'der Verwandte'. It is very common to use this word when you are introducing someone. For example, if you are with a man and your friend asks 'Who is that?', you can say 'Das ist ein Verwandter' (That is a relative). This is a safe way to answer if you don't want to explain exactly how you are related. You will also see this word on very basic forms where you have to list a person to contact in an emergency. Usually, the form will ask for a 'Verwandter' or 'Angehöriger'. Just remember that 'Verwandter' is for a man and 'Verwandte' is for a woman. At A1, focus on the singular form and the basic idea of family connection. You might also hear it in simple songs or stories about large families. It is a building block for your German vocabulary that will help you group other words together. Even if you only know a few family words, 'Verwandter' gives you a way to talk about anyone in your family tree.
By the A2 level, you are beginning to understand that some German words change their endings. 'Verwandter' is a great example of this. You are moving beyond just 'Vater' and 'Mutter' and starting to talk about your extended family. At A2, you should practice using 'Verwandter' in the accusative case. For example, if you say 'I am visiting a relative', you must say 'Ich besuche einen Verwandten'. Notice the '-en' at the end. This is very important! You are also learning to describe people. You might say 'mein alter Verwandter' (my old relative) or 'mein netter Verwandter' (my nice relative). At this level, you should also be able to use the plural. The plural is 'die Verwandten'. It is very common to talk about 'meine Verwandten' (my relatives) when you talk about your holidays or your childhood. For example: 'In den Ferien besuche ich meine Verwandten' (In the holidays, I visit my relatives). You are also starting to see the difference between 'Verwandte' (relatives) and 'Freunde' (friends). In German culture, these are two very different groups. A 'Verwandter' is someone you are related to, even if you don't like them very much! A friend is someone you choose. At A2, you should be comfortable using 'Verwandter' in simple sentences about your life and family history. You can also start to use the word 'verwandt' as an adjective, like 'Wir sind verwandt' (We are related). This helps you see how the noun 'Verwandter' is formed from the adjective.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'Verwandter' correctly in all four cases (Nominative, Accusative, Dative, and Genitive). This is where the 'adjectival noun' rules really matter. You should understand that 'ein Verwandter' changes to 'eines Verwandten' in the Genitive. For example: 'Die Hochzeit meines Verwandten war sehr schön' (The wedding of my relative was very beautiful). B1 is also the level where you start to discuss more complex topics, like inheritance or family traditions. You might use the word in a discussion about how families are changing in modern society. You should also be aware of the nuances between 'Verwandter' and 'Familienmitglied'. While 'Familienmitglied' often refers to the people you live with, 'Verwandter' is the perfect word for that cousin you only see once every five years. You will also encounter this word in more formal reading texts, such as news articles or short stories. For example, a story might mention an 'entfernter Verwandter' (distant relative) who leaves someone a mysterious letter. You should also be able to use the word in professional contexts, such as explaining to your boss that you need a day off for a family event: 'Ein Verwandter von mir heiratet' (A relative of mine is getting married). At B1, you are moving from simple identification to using the word to describe relationships and social obligations. You should also be comfortable with the feminine form 'Verwandte' and the plural 'Verwandten' in dative plural: 'Ich habe mit meinen Verwandten gesprochen'. Accuracy with these endings is a key marker of a B1 learner.
At the B2 level, you should have a sophisticated understanding of 'Verwandter' and its role in the German language. You are no longer just using it for basic family talk; you are using it in legal, social, and abstract contexts. You should be familiar with legal terms like 'Verwandter ersten Grades' (first-degree relative) and understand the legal implications of being a 'Verwandter' in Germany, such as inheritance laws (Erbrecht) and the 'Unterhaltspflicht' (the legal obligation to provide financial support to certain relatives). At B2, you should also be able to handle 'Verwandter' when it is modified by multiple adjectives or used in complex sentence structures. For instance: 'Trotz der Einwände meiner zahlreichen Verwandten entschied ich mich für den Umzug' (Despite the objections of my numerous relatives, I decided to move). You should also recognize the word in idiomatic or slightly more formal expressions. You might hear the phrase 'mit jemandem verwandt oder verschwägert sein' in legal contexts, which covers both blood relatives and in-laws. Your pronunciation should also be refined, ensuring the distinction between the 'er' ending in 'Verwandter' and the 'e' ending in 'Verwandte' is clear, as this conveys grammatical gender. You are also expected to understand the cultural weight of the word. In Germany, 'Verwandtschaft' often implies a network of social security and long-term commitment. You might discuss the 'Verwandtschaftsgrad' (degree of kinship) in a sociology class or a formal debate about family policy. At B2, 'Verwandter' is not just a word for an uncle; it's a category in a complex web of social and legal relations.
By the C1 level, your use of 'Verwandter' should be near-native. You understand the subtle stylistic differences between 'Verwandter', 'Angehöriger', and 'Sippenmitglied'. You can use 'Verwandter' in abstract or metaphorical ways. For example, you might talk about 'geistige Verwandte' (spiritual or intellectual kindred spirits)—people who share your way of thinking even if they aren't family. This demonstrates a high level of linguistic flexibility. You should also be able to navigate the most complex grammatical constructions involving adjectival nouns. For instance, using 'Verwandter' in the genitive plural without an article: 'Die Unterstützung Verwandter ist in Krisenzeiten oft entscheidend' (The support of relatives is often decisive in times of crisis). Note the ending '-er' for genitive plural in the absence of an article! This is a high-level grammatical nuance. You will also encounter 'Verwandter' in classical German literature (like Goethe or Mann), where family dynamics and lineage are central themes. In these contexts, the word might carry historical connotations of class and social standing. You should be able to analyze these texts and discuss how the concept of a 'Verwandter' has evolved over time. In professional writing, you can use the term to describe complex stakeholder relationships or in scientific contexts like 'verwandte Arten' (related species) in biology, which uses the same root. Your mastery of the word at C1 reflects a deep integration of German grammar and cultural understanding, allowing you to use it with precision, elegance, and contextual awareness.
At the C2 level, 'Verwandter' is a word you use with total ease and rhetorical flair. you are aware of its etymological roots in the verb 'verwenden' (to turn/to wind), reflecting the 'twists' in a family tree. You can use the word in highly specialized academic discourses, such as linguistics (verwandte Sprachen), biology (verwandte Organismen), or law. You understand the finest shades of meaning; for instance, how using 'ein Verwandter' instead of 'mein Verwandter' can create a sense of emotional distance in a narrative. You can also play with the word in creative writing, perhaps using the adjectival noun nature of the word to create poetic effects or to subvert expectations. You are fully aware of the socio-historical development of the term and how it relates to the German concept of 'Heimat' and 'Identität'. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about whether kinship (Verwandtschaft) is a biological fact or a social construct, using 'Verwandter' as a key term in your arguments. You are also comfortable with archaic or dialectal variations of the word that might appear in older texts or specific regional contexts. At C2, the word is no longer a vocabulary item to be learned; it is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal, which you use to express complex ideas about human connection, legal structures, and biological reality with absolute precision and stylistic sophistication.

Verwandter em 30 segundos

  • A 'Verwandter' is a male relative, covering anyone from a close brother to a distant cousin in the family tree.
  • Grammatically, it is an adjectival noun, meaning its ending changes based on the article and the case used.
  • It is used in both casual family settings and formal legal or medical contexts to identify kinship.
  • The female version is 'Verwandte', and the plural 'die Verwandten' refers to relatives of any gender collectively.

The German word Verwandter is a fascinating noun because it doesn't behave like a typical noun. In linguistic terms, it is an adjectival noun (substantiviertes Adjektiv). This means that while it functions as a noun referring to a person—specifically a male relative—it retains the declension patterns of an adjective. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone reaching the B1 level because it represents a bridge between family vocabulary and advanced German grammar. A Verwandter is anyone connected to you by blood or marriage, such as an uncle, a cousin, or a grandfather. Unlike the English word 'relative,' which is gender-neutral, German distinguishes between the male Verwandter and the female Verwandte.

Core Meaning
A male person who belongs to the same family tree or is related through legal bonds like marriage. It covers both immediate and distant kin.
Grammatical Nature
It changes its ending based on the article (der/ein) and the case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive), just like the adjective 'verwandt' (related).

Mein Onkel ist mein nächster männlicher Verwandter in dieser Stadt.

Translation: My uncle is my closest male relative in this city.

In daily life, Germans use this word when they want to speak about family members in a general sense without specifying the exact relationship. If you are at a wedding and someone asks who the man in the blue suit is, you might reply, 'Er ist ein Verwandter der Braut' (He is a relative of the bride). This allows for a level of privacy or generality when the specific degree of kinship (like 'second cousin once removed') is either unknown or irrelevant to the conversation. It is also frequently used in plural form, die Verwandten, to refer to the 'relatives' as a collective group, regardless of gender.

Ich habe einen Verwandten in Berlin besucht.

Note the -en ending here because it is in the accusative case.
Formal Context
In legal documents or inheritance matters, you will often see the term 'nahe Verwandte' (close relatives) or 'entfernte Verwandte' (distant relatives).

Furthermore, the word carries a sense of biological or legal permanence. Unlike 'Bekannter' (acquaintance), which implies a social connection that can fade, a 'Verwandter' is someone you are tied to permanently. This distinction is vital in German culture, where the line between 'Freunde' (friends), 'Bekannte' (acquaintances), and 'Verwandte' (relatives) is more strictly drawn than in many English-speaking cultures. You might have many 'Bekannte', but you only have a finite number of 'Verwandten'.

Mastering the use of Verwandter requires careful attention to the four German cases. Because it is an adjectival noun, its ending changes based on whether it is the subject, the direct object, the indirect object, or showing possession. Let's break down the mechanics of these changes so you can use them accurately in speech and writing.

The Nominative Case (Subject)
When the relative is the one performing the action. 'Ein Verwandter kam zu Besuch' (A relative came to visit). Notice the -er ending with 'ein'. If we use the definite article: 'Der Verwandte kam zu Besuch' (The relative came to visit), the ending becomes -e.

Ist er ein Verwandter von dir?

Translation: Is he a relative of yours? (Nominative after 'sein')

The Accusative case is used for direct objects. If you are visiting or calling a relative, the ending changes to -en, regardless of whether you use 'ein' or 'der'. For example: 'Ich rufe meinen Verwandten an' (I am calling my relative). This -en ending is a hallmark of masculine adjectival nouns in the accusative.

Wir haben gestern einen entfernten Verwandten getroffen.

Translation: We met a distant relative yesterday.
The Dative Case (Indirect Object)
Used after verbs like 'helfen' (to help) or 'danken' (to thank), and after prepositions like 'mit' or 'von'. Example: 'Ich helfe einem Verwandten' (I am helping a relative). Again, the ending is -en.

Finally, the Genitive case shows possession or relationship. 'Das Haus meines Verwandten' (The house of my relative). Just like the dative and accusative, the masculine singular genitive for adjectival nouns ends in -en. This consistency in the -en ending for masculine singular (except nominative) is a great pattern to memorize.

Trotz der Hilfe eines Verwandten konnte er die Miete nicht zahlen.

Translation: Despite the help of a relative, he couldn't pay the rent.
Using Adjectives with Verwandter
If you add an adjective, it must match the noun's ending. 'Ein reicher Verwandter' (A rich relative) vs 'Der reiche Verwandte'. This double-adjective ending pattern is a common B1-B2 hurdle.

In Germany, family structures and the terminology surrounding them are deeply embedded in social rituals and legal frameworks. You will encounter Verwandter in several distinct environments, from the very casual to the highly professional. Understanding these contexts will help you interpret the nuances of what is being said.

Family Gatherings and Holidays
Christmas (Weihnachten) and Easter (Ostern) are the peak times for this word. You might hear: 'Alle unsere Verwandten kommen dieses Jahr' (All our relatives are coming this year). It’s the standard way to refer to the extended family group that includes aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Wir feiern im kleinen Kreis, nur mit den engsten Verwandten.

Translation: We are celebrating in a small circle, only with the closest relatives.

In a legal or administrative context, 'Verwandter' is a precise term. If someone passes away without a will, the state looks for the 'nächste Verwandte' (next of kin). In German law (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch), there are specific 'Ordnungen' (orders) of relatives. A 'Verwandter ersten Grades' is a first-degree relative (like a parent or child). Hearing this in a news report or at a lawyer's office indicates a formal, legal relationship rather than just a social one.

Sind Sie ein Verwandter ersten Grades?

Translation: Are you a first-degree relative? (Commonly asked in hospitals or by authorities).
Medical History
When filling out forms at a doctor's office (Anamnesebogen), you will see questions about 'Verwandte mit chronischen Krankheiten' (relatives with chronic illnesses). Here, the term is used to identify genetic predispositions.

You will also hear this word in the context of genealogy, which is a popular hobby in Germany. People might say, 'Ich habe einen Verwandten in Amerika ausfindig gemacht' (I tracked down a relative in America). In this sense, it bridges the gap between the present and the past, linking individuals across generations and continents.

Er ist ein weitläufiger Verwandter mütterlicherseits.

Translation: He is a distant relative on the mother's side.

The word Verwandter is a minefield for learners because of its adjectival nature. Most errors stem from treating it like a regular noun (like 'Hund' or 'Tisch') rather than an adjective functioning as a noun. Let's examine the most frequent pitfalls so you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: The 'Ein' vs 'Der' Ending
Learners often say 'der Verwandter' instead of 'der Verwandte'. Remember: after 'der', the adjective ending is weak (-e). After 'ein', the ending is strong (-er).
Wrong: Der Verwandter ist hier.
Right: Der Verwandte ist hier.

Ein Verwandter (Correct) vs. Der Verwandte (Correct).

This is the 'adjective declension' rule applied to a noun.

Another massive source of confusion is the gender. In English, 'relative' is neutral. In German, you must choose. If you are talking about a woman, you must use 'Verwandte'. Using 'Verwandter' for a female relative is a major grammatical error that sounds very jarring to native speakers. 'Sie ist meine Verwandte' is the only correct way to refer to her.

Meine Verwandte (female) vs. Mein Verwandter (male).

English speakers often forget to change the gender of the noun itself.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Bekannter'
Learners sometimes use 'Verwandter' when they mean 'Bekannter' (acquaintance). In German, 'Verwandter' is strictly for family. If you just know someone from work or school, they are a 'Bekannter', not a 'Verwandter'.

Case endings in the plural are also tricky. In the dative plural ('with the relatives'), you must say 'mit den Verwandten'. Many learners forget the extra 'n' that comes with the dative plural article 'den'. However, since the word 'Verwandten' already ends in 'n', this is actually easier, but learners often doubt themselves and try to remove the 'n'.

Ich spreche mit meinen Verwandten.

Dative plural: 'meinen' + 'Verwandten'.

While Verwandter is the most common general term for a male relative, German offers several synonyms and related terms that carry different nuances of formality, distance, and biological connection. Knowing when to use which word will make your German sound more natural and precise.

Familienmitglied vs. Verwandter
'Familienmitglied' (family member) is a neutral, compound noun. It is often used for the 'Kernfamilie' (nuclear family). 'Verwandter' is more often used for the 'erweiterte Familie' (extended family). You would rarely call your own father 'ein Verwandter', though it is technically true; you'd call him a 'Familienmitglied'.

Er ist nicht nur ein Verwandter, sondern ein enges Familienmitglied.

Translation: He is not just a relative, but a close family member.

Another common term is Angehöriger. This word is very formal and is often used by authorities, the police, or in medical contexts. It literally means 'someone who belongs to'. While 'Verwandter' focuses on the blood/marriage link, 'Angehöriger' focuses on the legal responsibility or the 'belonging' aspect. Hospitals will ask for 'die nächsten Angehörigen' (next of kin).

Die ganze Sippe war bei der Hochzeit dabei.

Translation: The whole clan was at the wedding. (Informal/Colloquial)
Blutsverwandter
This specific term means 'blood relative'. Use this if you want to explicitly exclude relatives by marriage (like brothers-in-law). It is a strong word often used when discussing genetics or inheritance.

Lastly, consider the word Verschwägerter. This refers specifically to a relative by marriage (an 'in-law'). While 'Verwandter' is the umbrella term, 'Verschwägerter' is the precise sub-category. In casual conversation, people almost always stick to 'Verwandter' because 'Verschwägerter' sounds overly technical and clunky.

Er ist kein Blutsverwandter, sondern ein Verschwägerter.

Translation: He is not a blood relative, but a relative by marriage.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The idea behind the word is that relatives are people who are 'turned toward' each other in a social or biological circle. It shows how ancient German viewed family as a directional bond.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /fɛɐ̯ˈvantɐ/
US /fɛrˈvɑntər/
The stress is on the second syllable: ver-WAND-ter.
Rima com
Bekannter Gesandter Elefanter Galanter Markanter Banter Amüsanter Interessanter
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing the 'V' like an English 'V' (it should be an 'F').
  • Over-pronouncing the 'r' at the end.
  • Confusing the stress with the first syllable.
  • Failing to vocalize the final 'er'.
  • Pronouncing 'dt' as two separate sounds (it is just a 't' sound).

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts but requires understanding of adjective endings.

Escrita 5/5

Difficult to get the endings right in different cases (ein Verwandter vs den Verwandten).

Expressão oral 4/5

Endings are tricky in fast speech, but the plural is easy.

Audição 3/5

Easy to hear, but hard to distinguish 'Verwandter' from 'Verwandte' in plural contexts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

Vater Mutter Onkel Tante verwandt

Aprenda a seguir

Angehöriger Bekannter Verschwägerter Erbe Stammbaum

Avançado

Wahlverwandtschaft Erbfolge Pflichtteil Sorgerecht Vormund

Gramática essencial

Adjectival Nouns

Der Verwandte (like 'der Gute')

Masculine N-Declension (similar behavior)

Den Verwandten (Accusative)

Weak Adjective Ending after 'der'

Der Verwandte

Strong Adjective Ending after 'ein'

Ein Verwandter

Dative Plural '-n'

Mit den Verwandten

Exemplos por nível

1

Er ist ein Verwandter.

He is a relative.

Nominative masculine singular with 'ein'.

2

Ist das dein Verwandter?

Is that your relative?

Nominative masculine singular with possessive 'dein'.

3

Mein Verwandter wohnt in Berlin.

My relative lives in Berlin.

Subject of the sentence (Nominative).

4

Ein Verwandter kommt heute.

A relative is coming today.

Nominative masculine singular.

5

Der Verwandte heißt Hans.

The relative is named Hans.

Nominative masculine singular with 'der' (weak ending -e).

6

Er hat einen Verwandten.

He has a relative.

Accusative masculine singular.

7

Ich bin ein Verwandter von ihm.

I am a relative of his.

Nominative masculine singular.

8

Das ist mein einziger Verwandter.

That is my only relative.

Nominative masculine singular with adjective 'einziger'.

1

Ich besuche einen Verwandten im Krankenhaus.

I am visiting a relative in the hospital.

Accusative masculine singular.

2

Kennst du diesen Verwandten?

Do you know this relative?

Accusative masculine singular with 'diesen'.

3

Ich schreibe meinem Verwandten einen Brief.

I am writing my relative a letter.

Dative masculine singular (indirect object).

4

Wir haben viele Verwandte in München.

We have many relatives in Munich.

Accusative plural.

5

Der Verwandte aus Amerika ist sehr nett.

The relative from America is very nice.

Nominative masculine singular with 'der'.

6

Ich habe mit einem Verwandten telefoniert.

I talked on the phone with a relative.

Dative masculine singular after 'mit'.

7

Meine Verwandten kommen zu Weihnachten.

My relatives are coming for Christmas.

Nominative plural.

8

Er hilft seinem Verwandten beim Umzug.

He is helping his relative with the move.

Dative masculine singular (object of 'helfen').

1

Ein entfernter Verwandter hat mir Geld hinterlassen.

A distant relative left me money.

Nominative masculine singular with adjective 'entfernter'.

2

Ich muss mich um einen kranken Verwandten kümmern.

I have to take care of a sick relative.

Accusative masculine singular after 'um'.

3

Die Meinung eines Verwandten ist mir wichtig.

The opinion of a relative is important to me.

Genitive masculine singular.

4

Er ist ein Verwandter zweiten Grades.

He is a second-degree relative.

Nominative masculine singular.

5

Wir treffen uns mit allen Verwandten im Restaurant.

We are meeting with all relatives in the restaurant.

Dative plural after 'mit'.

6

Trotz der Hilfe des Verwandten gab es Probleme.

Despite the help of the relative, there were problems.

Genitive masculine singular with 'des'.

7

Ich habe einen Verwandten, der Arzt ist.

I have a relative who is a doctor.

Accusative masculine singular followed by a relative clause.

8

Sie ist mit einem Verwandten von mir verheiratet.

She is married to a relative of mine.

Dative masculine singular after 'mit'.

1

Er gilt als der nächste männliche Verwandte des Verstorbenen.

He is considered the closest male relative of the deceased.

Nominative masculine singular with 'der' and adjectives.

2

Es ist schwierig, Kontakt zu entfernten Verwandten zu halten.

It is difficult to keep in touch with distant relatives.

Dative plural after 'zu'.

3

Die Erbschaft wurde unter den Verwandten aufgeteilt.

The inheritance was divided among the relatives.

Dative plural after 'unter'.

4

Ein Verwandter mütterlicherseits hat das Haus geerbt.

A relative on the mother's side inherited the house.

Nominative masculine singular with 'mütterlicherseits'.

5

Er verhält sich wie ein Verwandter, ist aber nur ein Freund.

He acts like a relative, but is only a friend.

Nominative masculine singular after 'wie'.

6

Die Suche nach einem verschollenen Verwandten war erfolgreich.

The search for a missing relative was successful.

Dative masculine singular after 'nach'.

7

Wir sind weder verwandt noch verschwägert.

We are neither related by blood nor by marriage.

Adjectival use of the root word.

8

Ein einflussreicher Verwandter hat ihm die Stelle besorgt.

An influential relative got him the job.

Nominative masculine singular with adjective 'einflussreicher'.

1

Die psychologische Belastung durch pflegebedürftige Verwandte ist hoch.

The psychological burden caused by relatives in need of care is high.

Accusative plural after 'durch'.

2

Er fühlt sich als geistiger Verwandter der großen Philosophen.

He feels like a spiritual relative of the great philosophers.

Nominative masculine singular (metaphorical).

3

Die Ansprüche entfernter Verwandter wurden vom Gericht abgewiesen.

The claims of distant relatives were rejected by the court.

Genitive plural without an article.

4

In seiner Not wandte er sich an einen wohlhabenden Verwandten.

In his distress, he turned to a wealthy relative.

Accusative masculine singular after 'an'.

5

Die Loyalität gegenüber Verwandten wird in dieser Kultur großgeschrieben.

Loyalty towards relatives is highly valued in this culture.

Dative plural after 'gegenüber'.

6

Er ist ein entfernter Verwandter, den ich kaum kenne.

He is a distant relative whom I hardly know.

Nominative masculine singular followed by an accusative relative pronoun.

7

Die genetische Übereinstimmung zwischen Verwandten ist messbar.

The genetic similarity between relatives is measurable.

Dative plural after 'zwischen'.

8

Sein Verhalten gegenüber dem Verwandten war tadellos.

His behavior towards the relative was impeccable.

Dative masculine singular after 'gegenüber' with 'dem'.

1

Das Schicksal des Verwandten blieb über Jahrzehnte ungeklärt.

The fate of the relative remained unresolved for decades.

Genitive masculine singular with 'des'.

2

Die literarische Figur fungiert als entfernter Verwandter des Autors.

The literary figure functions as a distant relative of the author.

Nominative masculine singular (literary analysis).

3

Die Verpflichtung gegenüber einem Verwandten wiegt schwerer als Eigennutz.

The obligation towards a relative carries more weight than self-interest.

Dative masculine singular after 'gegenüber'.

4

Er ist ein Verwandter im Geiste, wenn auch nicht im Blute.

He is a relative in spirit, if not in blood.

Nominative masculine singular (idiomatic).

5

Die Ansprüche eines vermeintlichen Verwandten entpuppten sich als Betrug.

The claims of an alleged relative turned out to be a fraud.

Genitive masculine singular.

6

Jeder Verwandte, und sei er noch so fern, wurde zur Feier geladen.

Every relative, no matter how distant, was invited to the celebration.

Nominative masculine singular with concessive clause.

7

Die genealogische Forschung förderte einen berühmten Verwandten zutage.

Genealogical research brought a famous relative to light.

Accusative masculine singular.

8

Es ist die Geschichte eines Verwandten, der auszog, um das Glück zu suchen.

It is the story of a relative who set out to seek his fortune.

Genitive masculine singular.

Colocações comuns

naher Verwandter
entfernter Verwandter
männlicher Verwandter
verstorbener Verwandter
reich gewordener Verwandter
Verwandter ersten Grades
mütterlicherseits Verwandter
väterlicherseits Verwandter
einflussreicher Verwandter
alle Verwandten

Frases Comuns

Wir sind Verwandte.

— We are relatives. Used to establish a family link.

Wussten Sie, dass wir Verwandte sind?

Ein Verwandter von mir...

— A relative of mine... Common way to start a story about family.

Ein Verwandter von mir arbeitet bei der Bahn.

Besuch von Verwandten

— Visit from relatives. A common social event.

Wir erwarten am Wochenende Besuch von Verwandten.

Die lieben Verwandten

— The dear relatives. Often used ironically to imply family trouble.

Ach ja, die lieben Verwandten kommen wieder zu Besuch.

Engste Verwandte

— Closest relatives. Refers to immediate family members.

Nur engste Verwandte sind zur Beerdigung zugelassen.

Weitläufig Verwandte

— Distantly related people. Refers to the extended family network.

Wir sind nur weitläufig Verwandte.

Keine Verwandten haben

— To have no relatives. Implies loneliness or lack of roots.

Er hat leider keine Verwandten mehr.

Verwandte suchen

— To look for relatives. Often in the context of genealogy.

Sie sucht nach Verwandten in Polen.

Mit Verwandten feiern

— To celebrate with relatives. A standard cultural practice.

Wir feiern Silvester mit unseren Verwandten.

Verwandte im Ausland

— Relatives abroad. Common for families with migration history.

Viele Deutsche haben Verwandte im Ausland.

Frequentemente confundido com

Verwandter vs Bekannter

A Bekannter is someone you know (acquaintance), a Verwandter is family.

Verwandter vs Freund

A Freund is a chosen friend, a Verwandter is biological/legal family.

Verwandter vs Nachbar

A Nachbar is someone who lives next door, not necessarily related.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Man kann sich seine Verwandten nicht aussuchen."

— You can't choose your relatives. Used when family members are difficult.

Er ist zwar anstrengend, aber man kann sich seine Verwandten nicht aussuchen.

informal
"Blut ist dicker als Wasser."

— Blood is thicker than water. Family ties are stronger than other bonds.

Am Ende hilft er ihm doch, denn Blut ist dicker als Wasser.

neutral
"In der Verwandtschaft liegt die Kraft."

— In the family lies the strength. A play on 'In der Ruhe liegt die Kraft'.

Wir halten zusammen, denn in der Verwandtschaft liegt die Kraft.

informal
"Mit jemandem verwandt oder verschwägert sein."

— To be related to someone by blood or marriage. Used in legal disqualifications.

Der Richter darf nicht mit dem Angeklagten verwandt oder verschwägert sein.

formal
"Ein Verwandter im Geiste sein."

— To be a kindred spirit. Sharing thoughts or values.

Obwohl sie sich nie trafen, war er ein Verwandter im Geiste.

literary
"Die Verwandtschaft verleugnen."

— To deny one's kinship. To be ashamed of one's family.

Er wollte die Verwandtschaft mit dem Betrüger verleugnen.

neutral
"Sich wie ein Verwandter aufführen."

— To behave like a relative. Often implying being too familiar or intrusive.

Er führt sich hier auf wie ein Verwandter, dabei kennen wir ihn kaum.

informal
"Den Verwandten heraushängen lassen."

— To show off one's family connection to get an advantage.

Er lässt immer den Verwandten des Chefs heraushängen.

slang
"Verwandte Seelen finden."

— To find soulmates or people who think alike.

Im Buchclub hat sie endlich verwandte Seelen gefunden.

neutral
"Ganz die Verwandtschaft!"

— Just like the rest of the family! Usually said when someone shows a family trait.

Er ist auch so stur – ganz die Verwandtschaft!

informal

Fácil de confundir

Verwandter vs Verwandte

Looks identical in the plural.

In the singular, 'Verwandte' is female, 'Verwandter' is male.

Sie ist meine Verwandte. Er ist mein Verwandter.

Verwandter vs Bekannter

Both are adjectival nouns.

Refers to social vs. familial connection.

Ein Bekannter aus der Schule vs. ein Verwandter aus der Familie.

Verwandter vs Verwandtschaft

Shares the same root.

Verwandtschaft is the abstract concept of kinship or the whole group.

Die Verwandtschaft ist groß.

Verwandter vs verwandt

The adjective form.

Used as a descriptor, not a person.

Wir sind verwandt.

Verwandter vs Angehöriger

Synonymous in many contexts.

Angehöriger is more formal and used for 'next of kin'.

Nächste Angehörige bitte hier unterschreiben.

Padrões de frases

A1

Das ist ein Verwandter.

Das ist ein Verwandter von mir.

A2

Ich habe einen Verwandten.

Ich habe einen Verwandten in Berlin.

B1

Ich helfe einem Verwandten.

Ich helfe einem kranken Verwandten.

B1

Wegen eines Verwandten...

Wegen eines Verwandten muss ich heute früher gehen.

B2

Er ist ein Verwandter [Genitiv]...

Er ist ein Verwandter des Bürgermeisters.

C1

Trotz der Hilfe [Genitiv Plural]...

Trotz der Hilfe zahlreicher Verwandter...

C1

Als [Adjektiv] Verwandter...

Als naher Verwandter habe ich das Recht dazu.

C2

In Anbetracht der Verwandtschaft...

In Anbetracht der nahen Verwandtschaft war das Urteil mild.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

die Verwandte (female relative)
die Verwandtschaft (kinship/relatives)
das Verwandtschaftsverhältnis (family relationship)

Verbos

verwenden (to use/apply - historical root)
verwandeln (to transform - related root)

Adjetivos

verwandt (related)
geistesverwandt (kindred-spirited)
stammverwandt (cognate)

Relacionado

die Familie
der Stammbaum
die Ahnen
die Herkunft
der Ursprung

Como usar

frequency

High, especially in family-oriented cultures like Germany.

Erros comuns
  • Der Verwandter Der Verwandte

    After the definite article 'der', the adjectival noun takes a weak ending (-e).

  • Mein Verwandte (for a man) Mein Verwandter

    For a male relative, you need the strong masculine ending -er when no definite article is present.

  • Ich besuche mein Verwandter. Ich besuche meinen Verwandten.

    'Besuchen' requires the accusative case. Masculine adjectival nouns end in -en in the accusative.

  • Das Haus meines Verwandters. Das Haus meines Verwandten.

    Adjectival nouns do not take an -s in the genitive; they follow adjective endings (-en).

  • Sie ist ein Verwandter. Sie ist eine Verwandte.

    You must use the feminine form for a female relative.

Dicas

Adjective Declension

Treat the word exactly like the adjective 'verwandt'. If you know how to decline 'der nette Mann' and 'ein netter Mann', you can decline 'der Verwandte' and 'ein Verwandter'.

Gender Precision

Always specify the gender. Using 'Verwandter' for a woman is a common mistake that is easily avoided by using 'Verwandte'.

Family vs. Friends

Be aware that Germans distinguish sharply between family and friends. A 'Verwandter' is family, a 'Bekannter' is someone you know, and a 'Freund' is a close friend.

Listen for Endings

In German movies or podcasts, listen for the endings of this word. It will help you internalize the case system automatically.

Official Forms

When you see 'Angehöriger' on a form, you can usually use 'Verwandter' in the same sense when speaking.

Kindred Spirits

Use 'Geistesverwandter' to describe someone who thinks like you. It's a very sophisticated way to use the root word.

Possession

For genitive, remember the -en ending: 'das Haus meines Verwandten'. Do not add an -s like regular masculine nouns.

Group Reference

Use 'die Verwandten' to refer to your whole family group. It's the most common way to use the word.

The 'V' Sound

Always pronounce the initial 'V' as an 'F'. This is the most important part of being understood.

The 'er' Ending

Associate the -er ending in 'Verwandter' with 'Er' (he) to remember it's the masculine form.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Verwandter' as someone who 'wanders' into your family tree and stays there because you are 'verwandt' (related).

Associação visual

Picture a 'V' shape (for Verwandter) connecting two branches of a tree (family tree).

Word Web

Onkel Cousin Neffe Opa Bruder Vater Schwager Enkel

Desafio

Try to name one male 'Verwandter' for every letter of the alphabet (if possible) or describe three 'Verwandten' using adjectival nouns.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Middle High German 'verwant', which is the past participle of 'verwenden' (to turn towards).

Significado original: Originally meant 'turned towards' or 'belonging to'.

Germanic, related to the English word 'wend' and 'wind'.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when asking about 'Verwandte' in Germany; some people may have lost contact with family due to the country's turbulent 20th-century history.

In English, 'relative' is one word for both genders. In German, you must switch to 'Verwandte' for women.

Die Verwandlung (The Metamorphosis) by Kafka - though meaning transformation, it shares the root. The concept of 'Wahlverwandtschaften' (Elective Affinities) by Goethe. German inheritance laws (Erbrecht) which define who counts as a 'Verwandter'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Family Reunion

  • Wie viele Verwandte kommen?
  • Das ist ein ferner Verwandter.
  • Kennst du diesen Verwandten?
  • Alle Verwandten sind da.

Legal/Inheritance

  • Er ist der Alleinerbe als Verwandter.
  • Verwandte ersten Grades.
  • Der Verstorbene hatte keine Verwandten.
  • Ansprüche der Verwandten.

Emergency/Medical

  • Haben Sie einen Verwandten, den wir anrufen können?
  • Nur für nächste Verwandte.
  • Besuch von Verwandten ist erlaubt.
  • Sind Sie ein Verwandter?

Genealogy

  • Ich suche einen Verwandten aus dem 18. Jahrhundert.
  • Ein berühmter Verwandter.
  • Der Stammbaum meiner Verwandten.
  • DNA-Test für Verwandte.

Holidays

  • Wir besuchen unsere Verwandten.
  • Geschenke für die Verwandten.
  • Ein Fest für alle Verwandten.
  • Stress mit den Verwandten.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Hast du viele Verwandte, die in anderen Ländern leben?"

"Wie oft triffst du deine entfernten Verwandten?"

"Gibt es einen Verwandten in deiner Familie, den du besonders bewunderst?"

"Hast du schon einmal nach einem verschollenen Verwandten gesucht?"

"Wer ist dein ältester lebender Verwandter?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe einen Verwandten, der einen großen Einfluss auf dein Leben hatte.

Denkst du, dass man gegenüber Verwandten eine größere moralische Verpflichtung hat als gegenüber Freunden?

Schreibe über eine lustige Situation bei einem Treffen mit vielen Verwandten.

Wie wichtig ist dir die Erforschung deiner Verwandten und Vorfahren?

Stell dir vor, du erfährst plötzlich von einem reichen Verwandten – was würdest du tun?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it is an adjectival noun. This means it follows the rules of adjective declension. For example, 'ein Verwandter' but 'der Verwandte'.

You use 'die Verwandte'. It follows the same adjectival rules but for feminine gender (e.g., 'eine Verwandte', 'der Verwandten' in dative).

The plural is 'die Verwandten'. It is used for a group of relatives, regardless of their gender.

Technically yes, but it sounds very distant. It's better to use 'Vater' or 'Familienmitglied' for immediate family.

It means 'distantly related', like a third cousin or someone far away on the family tree.

Yes, usually 'Verwandter' is an umbrella term that includes both blood relatives and relatives by marriage.

A 'Blutsverwandter' is specifically a blood relative, excluding those related only by marriage.

You say 'mit den Verwandten' (with the relatives) or 'mit meinen Verwandten' (with my relatives).

Because it is in the accusative case (direct object). For masculine adjectival nouns, the ending is -en in the accusative.

It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from a family dinner to a legal document.

Teste-se 191 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence about visiting a male relative in another city.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

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writing

Explain the difference between a 'Verwandter' and a 'Bekannter' in German.

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writing

Describe your relationship with your relatives using the plural form.

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writing

Write a formal sentence asking if someone is a first-degree relative.

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writing

Use the word 'entfernter Verwandter' in a sentence about inheritance.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Verwandter' in the genitive case.

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writing

Compose a short story (3 sentences) about a surprise visit from a relative.

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writing

Discuss the concept of 'geistige Verwandtschaft'.

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writing

Translate: 'I am helping my rich relative with his work.'

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writing

Write a sentence about why you can't choose your relatives.

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writing

Describe a family tree using the word 'Verwandter'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'mit allen Verwandten'.

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writing

Use 'Verwandter mütterlicherseits' in a sentence.

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writing

Explain why 'der Verwandter' is grammatically incorrect.

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writing

Translate: 'The support of my relatives is important to me.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a missing relative.

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writing

Describe a 'Seelenverwandter'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'keine nahen Verwandten'.

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writing

Translate: 'He acts like a relative.'

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writing

Write a sentence about a famous relative.

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speaking

Describe your closest male relative in German.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about a relative you haven't seen in a long time.

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speaking

Explain how someone is related to you in German.

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speaking

Discuss the pros and cons of having a large family (Verwandtschaft).

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speaking

Roleplay: You are at a hospital and explaining that you are a relative.

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speaking

Tell a story about a funny relative.

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speaking

Explain the phrase 'Blut ist dicker als Wasser'.

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speaking

Discuss inheritance issues with a relative (roleplay).

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speaking

Describe a 'Geistesverwandter' you know.

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speaking

Talk about genealogy and searching for relatives.

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speaking

Explain the difference between 'Verwandter' and 'Verschwägerter'.

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speaking

How do you handle difficult relatives?

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speaking

Describe a family celebration with all your relatives.

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speaking

Talk about a relative who lives abroad.

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speaking

Discuss the legal duties of a relative in Germany.

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speaking

Pronounce 'Verwandter' correctly three times.

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speaking

Use 'einen entfernten Verwandten' in a sentence.

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speaking

Describe the house of your relative.

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speaking

Explain why you are proud of a certain relative.

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speaking

Talk about the 'Sippe' in a humorous way.

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listening

Listen to the audio: 'Mein Verwandter kommt morgen.' Is he coming today or tomorrow?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: 'Ich habe den Verwandten nicht gesehen.' Did he see the relative?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
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listening

Listen: 'Er hilft einem Verwandten.' Who is he helping?

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listening

Listen: 'Die Verwandten sind alle da.' Are some or all relatives there?

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listening

Listen: 'Ein entfernter Verwandter hat angerufen.' Who called?

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listening

Listen: 'Das ist die Frau meines Verwandten.' Whose wife is it?

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listening

Listen: 'Wir sind nicht verwandt.' Are they family?

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listening

Listen: 'Besuch von Verwandten nervt manchmal.' What can be annoying?

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listening

Listen: 'Er ist ein Verwandter ersten Grades.' What is the degree of kinship?

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listening

Listen: 'Meine Verwandte ist Ärztin.' Is the relative male or female?

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listening

Listen: 'Ich suche nach meinen Verwandten.' What is the person doing?

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listening

Listen: 'Trotz der Verwandten war er allein.' Was he with people or alone?

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listening

Listen: 'Ein reicher Verwandter hat das bezahlt.' Who paid?

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listening

Listen: 'Alle Verwandten mütterlicherseits.' Which side of the family?

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listening

Listen: 'Er ist mein einziger Verwandter.' Does he have many relatives?

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 191 correct

Perfect score!

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