das Pärchen
couple
Two people who are in a romantic relationship with each other.
EXAMPLE
Das frisch verliebte Pärchen ging händchenhaltend im Park spazieren.
The newly-in-love couple walked through the park holding hands.
das Pärchen
couple / pair
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Meanings
das Pärchen
pair
Two living beings or things that belong together; a pair.
EXAMPLE
Im Nest saß ein Pärchen Amseln und fütterte seine Jungen.
A pair of blackbirds sat in the nest and fed their young.
Usage tips
Diminutive form
'Pärchen' is the diminutive form of 'das Paar' (the pair/couple). The ending '-chen' makes the word smaller and is often used for romantic couples or small pairs of animals.
EXAMPLE
Im Park saß ein altes Pärchen auf einer Bank und genoss die Sonne.
An elderly couple sat on a bench in the park and enjoyed the sun.
Article with '-chen'
Like all nouns that end in '-chen', 'Pärchen' is neuter. That is why the article is always 'das Pärchen', even when it refers to people.
EXAMPLE
Das Pärchen suchte eine gemeinsame Wohnung.
The couple was looking for an apartment together.
Context clue
When 'Pärchen' refers to people, it almost always means a romantic couple. When it refers to animals or things, it simply means two matching examples.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben ein Taubenpärchen auf unserem Balkon.
We have a pair of pigeons on our balcony.
Typical collocations
When talking about romantic couples, 'Pärchen' is often combined with adjectives such as 'jung' (young), 'verliebt' (in love), or 'glücklich' (happy).
EXAMPLE
Ein junges Pärchen hat das Haus neben uns gekauft.
A young couple bought the house next to us.
Compare with
Pärchen vs Paar
pair / couple
Paar and Pärchen can both refer to two people in a romantic relationship. Paar sounds neutral, while Pärchen is usually more informal and affectionately diminutive, though it can sometimes also sound slightly condescending. In factual statements, Paar is therefore more suitable; in personal or casual speech, Pärchen can also be used.
Pärchen
Auf dem Foto sieht man ein glückliches Pärchen vor seinem neuen Haus.
The photo shows a happy couple in front of their new house.
Paar
Auf dem Foto sieht man ein Paar vor seinem neuen Haus.
The photo shows a couple in front of their new house.
In real life
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