01
kinderlos
childless
Describes a person or couple who has no biological or adopted children. This can be voluntary or involuntary.
example
Das Ehepaar ist bewusst kinderlos geblieben.
The married couple deliberately remained childless.
kinderlos
childless
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Kinder' (children) and the ending '-los' (-less). The ending '-los' means 'without', so 'kinderlos' (childless) literally means 'without children'.
EXAMPLE
Nach vielen Jahren als kinderloses Paar haben sie ein Kind adoptiert.
After many years as a childless couple, they adopted a child.
Use as an adjective
'Kinderlos' (childless) can stand directly before a noun or be used with a verb such as 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain). The form of the adjective changes depending on its position in the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ein kinderloses Leben kann auch sehr erfüllend sein.
A childless life can also be very fulfilling.
Typical collocations
The word is often combined with adverbs such as 'bewusst' (deliberately/consciously) or 'unfreiwillig' (involuntarily) to specify the reason for being childless.
EXAMPLE
Viele Paare entscheiden sich heute bewusst kinderlos zu bleiben.
Many couples today deliberately decide to remain childless.
In real life
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