adult
die Erwachsene, die Erwachsenen
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adult
A person who is fully developed physically and mentally and is no longer a child or teenager; a person of legal age.
Als Erwachsener muss man für seine Entscheidungen selbst die Verantwortung übernehmen.
As an adult, you have to take responsibility for your own decisions.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Erwachsenen |
| genitive | der Erwachsenen |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Erwachsene | die Erwachsenen |
| accusative | die Erwachsene | die Erwachsenen |
| dative | der Erwachsenen | den Erwachsenen |
| genitive | der Erwachsenen | der Erwachsenen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Erwachsener' (adult) is a nominalized adjective from 'erwachsen' (grown-up/adult). That is why it is declined like an adjective. Pay attention to the endings depending on the article and case.
Ein Erwachsener zahlt den vollen Preis.
An adult pays the full price.
Der Erwachsene half dem Kind über die Straße.
The adult helped the child across the street.
Wir sprachen mit mehreren Erwachsenen.
We spoke with several adults.
The word is derived from the verb 'wachsen' (to grow). The prefix 'er-' often describes reaching a result or final state. So an 'Erwachsener' (adult) is someone who has 'finished growing.'
Aus dem kleinen Jungen ist ein verantwortungsvoller Erwachsener geworden.
The little boy has become a responsible adult.
Since the word is treated like an adjective, there are different forms for male and female people. The masculine form is 'der Erwachsene' (the male adult), and the feminine form is 'die Erwachsene' (the female adult).
Der Erwachsene bestellte einen Kaffee.
The adult ordered a coffee.
Die Erwachsene las ein Buch auf der Parkbank.
The adult woman was reading a book on the park bench.
