das Lämmchen
lamb
A small lamb, that is, a young sheep.
EXAMPLE
Das Lämmchen lief seiner Mutter über die Wiese hinterher.
The lamb followed its mother across the meadow.
das Lämmchen
lamb
das Lämmchen, die Lämmchen
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Meanings
das Lämmchen
gentle person
A person who is considered especially gentle, harmless, or good-natured; often used as an affectionate term.
EXAMPLE
Unser kleiner Bruder ist ein echtes Lämmchen und streitet mit niemandem.
Our little brother is a real lamb and never argues with anyone.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Lämmchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Lämmchen |
| genitive | des Lämmchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Lämmchen | die Lämmchen die Lämmerchen |
| accusative | das Lämmchen | die Lämmchen die Lämmerchen |
| dative | dem Lämmchen | den Lämmchen den Lämmerchen |
| genitive | des Lämmchens | der Lämmchen der Lämmerchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Lämmchen' (little lamb) consists of 'Lamm' (lamb) and the ending '-chen'. This ending denotes something small and can also express affection; in this case, the 'a' in 'Lamm' changes to 'ä' through umlaut.
EXAMPLE
Im Stall stand ein weißes Lämmchen neben seiner Mutter.
There was a white lamb in the stable next to its mother.
Context clue
You can often recognize the literal meaning from words related to the animal world, such as 'Mutter' (mother), 'Wiese' (meadow), 'Stall' (stable), or 'Schaf' (sheep). In that case, a young animal is meant.
EXAMPLE
Das Lämmchen blieb im Stall, während die anderen Schafe auf der Weide waren.
The lamb stayed in the stable while the other sheep were in the pasture.
Affectionate term
When used for a person, 'Lämmchen' (little lamb) is usually figurative and affectionate, especially for a very calm, gentle, or good-natured person. Depending on the tone, the term can also sound slightly playful.
EXAMPLE
Die Großmutter nannte ihren geduldigen Enkel liebevoll ihr Lämmchen.
The grandmother affectionately called her patient grandson her little lamb.
In real life
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