das Brüderchen
little brother
An affectionate or diminutive term for a brother, usually a younger or small brother.
EXAMPLE
Das Brüderchen schlief friedlich in seinem Bett.
The little brother slept peacefully in his bed.
das Brüderchen
little brother
das Brüderchen, die Brüderchen
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Brüderchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Brüderchen |
| genitive | des Brüderchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Brüderchen | die Brüderchen |
| accusative | das Brüderchen | die Brüderchen |
| dative | dem Brüderchen | den Brüderchen |
| genitive | des Brüderchens | der Brüderchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
„Brüderchen“ (little brother) consists of „Bruder“ (brother) and the diminutive suffix „-chen“. The ending makes the term affectionate or diminutive; the „u“ also changes to „ü“ through umlaut.
EXAMPLE
Sie nahm ihr Brüderchen vorsichtig an die Hand.
She gently took her little brother by the hand.
Affectionate style
„Brüderchen“ (little brother) is mainly used in family contexts and in childlike or narrative situations. In a factual conversation, the form often sounds deliberately affectionate or diminutive.
EXAMPLE
Das Brüderchen wartete vor der Tür auf seine Schwester.
The little brother waited outside the door for his sister.
Typical collocations
„Brüderchen“ (little brother) is often used with a possessive word or with descriptive words such as „klein“ (little) and „lieb“ (dear). This makes the personal and emotional relationship especially clear.
EXAMPLE
Mein kleines Brüderchen wollte unbedingt mitspielen.
My little brother really wanted to join in.
In real life
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