little one
die Kleine, die Kleinen
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little one
A small child, especially one's own child or the youngest child in a family. For a boy, people say „der Kleine“ (the little one), and for a girl, „die Kleine“ (the little one). The term is often affectionate and can also be used for a child who is now an adult.
Unser Kleiner kommt nach den Sommerferien in die Schule.
Our little one is starting school after the summer holidays.
short person
A person who is short. The term can be familiar, but it can also be derogatory.
Der Kleine neben dem Trainer ist der Kapitän der Mannschaft.
The short person next to the coach is the team captain.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kleinen |
| genitive | der Kleinen |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Kleine | die Kleinen |
| accusative | die Kleine | die Kleinen |
| dative | der Kleinen | den Kleinen |
| genitive | der Kleinen | der Kleinen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
„Der Kleine“ (the little one) or „die Kleine“ (the little one) is a substantivized adjective: The word „klein“ (small) refers to a person here and is used like a noun. The article or possessive word shows whom the term refers to.
Unsere Kleine hat heute Geburtstag.
Our little one has a birthday today.
Der Kleine wartet schon vor der Tür.
The little one is already waiting outside the door.
In its family-related meaning, „der Kleine“ (the little one) is often used with a possessive word such as „unser“ (our), „mein“ (my), or „ihr“ (her/their). The term can continue to be used even when the son has grown up.
Unser Kleiner studiert inzwischen in einer anderen Stadt.
Our little one is now studying in another city.
Ihr Kleiner hilft heute beim Umzug.
Her little one is helping with the move today.
A family context or a possessive word usually indicates that the term refers to one's son. Information about height or comparisons with other adults, on the other hand, show that „der Kleine“ (the little one) or „die Kleine“ (the little one) refers to a person because of their short stature.
Unser Kleiner spielt heute zum ersten Mal im Verein.
Our little one is playing for the club for the first time today.
Der Kleine ist zwar nur 1,60 Meter groß, aber der beste Spieler im Verein.
The little guy is only 1.60 meters tall, but he is the best player at the club.
