01
das Geschlecht
gender / sex
The biological or social category of living beings, usually distinguished as male or female.
example
In dem Formular müssen Sie Ihr Geschlecht angeben.
You must state your gender on the form.
das Geschlecht
gender / sex
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the collective syllable 'Ge-' and the stem 'Schlecht', which historically meant 'kind' or 'type'. So 'Geschlecht' (gender / sex) describes a group or category, whether biological, grammatical, or familial.
EXAMPLE
Das grammatische Geschlecht eines Wortes zu lernen ist wichtig.
Learning the grammatical gender of a word is important.
Context clues
The three main meanings can be clearly distinguished by context. In connection with people, biology, or forms, it refers to biological/social gender or sex. With grammar and words, it means grammatical gender. In a historical context, it refers to a family line.
EXAMPLE
Das Wort „Mädchen“ hat das sächliche Geschlecht.
The word 'Mädchen' has neuter gender.
Typical collocations
In the historical meaning, 'Geschlecht' (lineage) is often used with verbs such as 'stammen aus' (to come from) or 'angehören' (to belong to). Typical adjectives are 'alt' (old), 'adlig' (noble), or 'berühmt' (famous).
EXAMPLE
Er gehört einem der ältesten Geschlechter der Stadt an.
He belongs to one of the oldest lineages in the city.
Compare with
Geschlecht vs Familie
family
'die Familie' and 'das Geschlecht' can both mean a group of people connected by kinship. 'Familie' is the normal everyday word for parents, children, and other relatives. In this meaning, 'Geschlecht' more often refers to a lineage over many generations. It is used especially in historical texts or for old, well-known families. The words can be confused because 'Geschlecht' can sometimes also mean 'family'. In normal conversation, however, 'Familie' is almost always the right choice; 'Geschlecht' sounds old-fashioned, formal, or historical here.
Geschlecht
Das Schloss gehörte früher einem alten adligen Geschlecht.
The castle once belonged to an old noble lineage.
Familie
Am Sonntag besucht Lena ihre Familie auf dem Land.
On Sunday, Lena visits her family in the countryside.
In real life
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