Family Words in German
German family vocabulary is logical, precise, and -- true to German form -- loves compound words. Once you know the basics, you can build terms for in-laws, step-relatives, and extended family by combining words. This guide covers all essential family terms with their articles, because in German, you cannot properly learn a noun without its gender.
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Immediate Family
These core family words are among the first nouns every German learner encounters. Note the articles carefully -- they are as important as the words themselves.
German has a dedicated plural-only word for siblings: die Geschwister. Unlike English, you do not need to say "brothers and sisters" -- one word covers it. Example: Ich habe drei Geschwister (I have three siblings).
Grandparents and Extended Family
Grandparent terms use the prefix Groß- (meaning "great" or "grand"). Extended family vocabulary follows predictable patterns.
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In-Laws: The Schwieger- Prefix
German uses the prefix Schwieger- for all in-law relationships. Simply attach it to the base family word and you have the in-law version.
Step-Family: The Stief- Prefix
Step-relatives use the prefix Stief-, and half-siblings use Halb-. Both systems are completely regular.
German compound family words are always written as one word with no spaces or hyphens: Schwiegermutter, not "Schwieger Mutter" or "Schwieger-Mutter." The gender article always matches the last component of the compound.
Talking About Family
- Ich habe zwei Brüder und eine Schwester. -- I have two brothers and one sister.
- Meine Großmutter wohnt bei uns. -- My grandmother lives with us.
- Wir sind eine große Familie. -- We are a big family.
- Hast du Geschwister? -- Do you have siblings?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German family words have grammatical gender?
Yes. Every German family noun has a grammatical gender with an article: die Mutter (feminine), der Vater (masculine), das Kind (neuter for "child"). The articles are essential and must be memorized with each word.
How do compound family words work in German?
German loves compound words for family relationships. You combine a base word with a modifier: Schwiegermutter (Schwieger + Mutter = mother-in-law), Großvater (Groß + Vater = grandfather). Once you know the base words, you can build most compound family terms logically.
What is the plural of Bruder?
The plural of der Bruder is die Brüder (with an umlaut). Similarly, die Mutter becomes die Mütter, and der Vater becomes die Väter. German family nouns often add an umlaut in the plural.
How do I say step-family in German?
Step-family uses the prefix Stief-: Stiefmutter (stepmother), Stiefvater (stepfather), Stiefbruder (stepbrother), Stiefschwester (stepsister). Half-siblings use Halb-: Halbbruder (half-brother), Halbschwester (half-sister).
Is Geschwister singular or plural?
Geschwister is a plural noun meaning "siblings." There is no singular form. If you want to say "a sibling," you would say ein Geschwisterteil, though in practice Germans usually just say Bruder or Schwester.