01
der Angehörige
relative
A person who belongs to the family; a relative.
example
Die Angehörigen des Patienten wurden über seinen Zustand informiert.
The patient's relatives were informed about his condition.
der Angehörige
relative / member
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Like an adjective
The word 'Angehörige(r)' is a noun, but it is declined like an adjective. The ending changes depending on the article and case.
EXAMPLE
Ein Angehöriger hat die Polizei informiert.
A relative informed the police.
Often in the plural
When it refers to family, the word is very often used in the plural 'die Angehörigen' (the relatives/family members). This means a person's whole family, especially in official contexts such as in a hospital or with the police.
EXAMPLE
Das Krankenhaus bittet die Angehörigen um einen Besuch.
The hospital asks the relatives to visit.
Sentence structure with genitive
To name the group or organization, the genitive is usually used. In spoken language, you sometimes also hear 'von' + dative.
EXAMPLE
Er ist Angehöriger der Universität Freiburg.
He is a member of the University of Freiburg.
Compare with
Angehörige vs Mitarbeiter
employee
'Mitarbeiter' and 'Angehöriger' can both refer to people who belong to a larger group. The difference lies in the context. A 'Mitarbeiter' works in a company, public authority, or organization, or helps with a project. An 'Angehöriger' is usually a family member. The word can also be used for a member of a group or institution, but that often sounds more formal. The words can be confused when an organization is involved. For work and professional contexts, 'Mitarbeiter' usually fits; for family and relatives, 'Angehöriger' fits.
Angehörige
Im Krankenhaus dürfen Angehörige die Patientin am Nachmittag besuchen.
At the hospital, relatives are allowed to visit the patient in the afternoon.
Mitarbeiter
Ein Mitarbeiter der Firma ruft mich morgen wegen des Termins an.
An employee of the company will call me tomorrow about the appointment.
In real life
Loading video examples...