der Bub
boy
A term for a boy used mainly in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
EXAMPLE
Der kleine Bub spielt im Garten mit seinem Ball.
The little boy is playing with his ball in the garden.
der Bub
boy / jack
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Bub
jack
In certain card games, such as Skat or Schafkopf, the term for the playing card 'Bube' (jack).
EXAMPLE
Beim Kartenspielen hatte er alle vier Buben auf der Hand.
While playing cards, he had all four jacks in his hand.
Usage tips
Regional usage
The word 'Bub' (boy) is mainly used in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In northern and central Germany, you hear it less often.
EXAMPLE
In Bayern nennt man einen kleinen Jungen oft liebevoll „Bub“.
In Bavaria, a little boy is often affectionately called 'Bub' (boy).
Context clue
You can always tell from the context whether a boy or a playing card is meant. If it is about family and children, it means a boy. If it is about card games, it means the playing card.
EXAMPLE
Mein Nachbar hat einen ganz aufgeweckten Bub.
My neighbor has a very bright boy.
Typical collocations
In card games, 'Bub' (jack) is often combined with the suit of the card. For example, people say 'Herz-Bub' (jack of hearts), 'Karo-Bub' (jack of diamonds), or 'Kreuz-Bub' (jack of clubs).
EXAMPLE
Mir fehlt nur noch der Pik-Bub für eine vollständige Reihe.
I'm only missing the jack of spades for a complete row.
Compare with
Bub vs Junge
boy
Der Junge and der Bub can refer to the same male child. Der Junge is the neutral standard term, while der Bub is used mainly in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The choice therefore mainly depends on the region.
Bub
In Österreich wartet der Bub vor der Schule auf seine Mutter.
In Austria, the boy is waiting in front of the school for his mother.
Junge
Der Junge wartet vor der Schule auf seine Mutter.
The boy is waiting in front of the school for his mother.
In real life
Loading video examples...