01
das Familienmitglied
family member
A person who belongs to a family; a relative.
example
Jedes Familienmitglied hat bei der Vorbereitung des Festes geholfen.
Every family member helped prepare for the celebration.
das Familienmitglied
family member
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is composed of 'die Familie' (the family) and 'das Mitglied' (the member). The '-n-' in between is a linking element that connects the two words. It literally means 'a member of the family.'
EXAMPLE
Mein Onkel ist ein wichtiges Familienmitglied für mich.
My uncle is an important family member to me.
General term
'Familienmitglied' (family member) is a neutral umbrella term for all relatives. It is often used when the exact relationship, e.g. aunt, cousin, grandfather, is not important or when everyone is being grouped together.
EXAMPLE
Zur Feier waren alle Familienmitglieder eingeladen.
All family members were invited to the celebration.
Typical collocations
The word is often combined with adjectives that describe the closeness of the relationship. Typical examples are 'enges Familienmitglied' (close family member) or 'entferntes Familienmitglied' (distant family member).
EXAMPLE
Meine Großmutter ist ein sehr enges Familienmitglied.
My grandmother is a very close family member.
Compare with
Familienmitglied vs Angehörige
relative / member
'der Angehörige' and 'das Familienmitglied' can be used very similarly in the family sense. Both mean a person who belongs to the family. 'Familienmitglied' is very clear and suitable for everyday use because it directly contains the word 'Familie' (family). 'Angehörige' sounds somewhat more formal and is often used in official or serious situations. Important: 'Angehörige' can also mean a member of a group, but in the family meaning it is almost the same as 'Familienmitglied'.
Familienmitglied
Wenn ein Familienmitglied krank ist, helfen wir zu Hause alle mit.
When a family member is sick, we all help out at home.
Angehörige
Nach dem Unfall informiert die Polizei die Angehörigen.
After the accident, the police inform the relatives.
In real life
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