der Onkel
uncle
The brother of one's father or mother.
EXAMPLE
Mein Onkel mütterlicherseits ist Arzt.
My uncle on my mother's side is a doctor.
der Onkel
uncle
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Meanings
der Onkel
uncle
The husband of one's aunt.
EXAMPLE
Meine Tante Maria und mein Onkel Paul kommen uns am Wochenende besuchen.
My aunt Maria and my uncle Paul are coming to visit us at the weekend.
der Onkel
uncle
A colloquial, friendly form of address, often used by children, for an adult man who is a friend of the family.
EXAMPLE
Schau mal, der Onkel Martin hat uns ein Eis mitgebracht!
Look, Uncle Martin brought us some ice cream!
Usage tips
Specify the relationship
To make clear whether he is the brother of the father or the mother, you can add the adverbs 'väterlicherseits' (on the father's side) or 'mütterlicherseits' (on the mother's side).
EXAMPLE
Mein Onkel väterlicherseits lebt in Hamburg.
My uncle on my father's side lives in Hamburg.
Uncle by marriage
If the uncle is not the brother of a parent but the husband of an aunt, he can be referred to as an 'angeheirateter Onkel' (uncle by marriage). In everyday life, however, this distinction is rarely made.
EXAMPLE
Streng genommen ist er nur mein angeheirateter Onkel, aber ich sehe ihn als Teil der Familie.
Strictly speaking, he is only my uncle by marriage, but I see him as part of the family.
Register and style
The form of address 'Onkel' (uncle) for a friend of the family is very colloquial and is used mainly by children or when speaking with children. It expresses a close, family-like relationship.
EXAMPLE
Der Onkel Klaus kommt heute Abend zu Besuch.
Uncle Klaus is coming to visit this evening.
Compare with
Onkel vs Herr
gentleman / Mr.
Herr used with a last name is a formal, polite form of address for a man. A child can also use Onkel for an adult family friend when this familiar form of address has been agreed on or is customary. Herr is appropriate when there is greater distance, while Onkel can fit when there is familial closeness.
Onkel
Nach vielen gemeinsamen Jahren nennt Mia den Familienfreund vertraut „Onkel Paul“.
After many years of spending time together, Mia affectionately calls the family friend “Uncle Paul.”
Herr
Beim ersten Besuch begrüßt Mia den Familienfreund höflich mit „Herr Weber“.
On her first visit, Mia politely addresses the family friend as “Mr. Weber.”
In real life
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