01
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
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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
'das Paar' and 'das Pärchen' can both mean two people, animals, or things that belong together. 'das Paar' is more neutral and fits many situations: shoes, dance partners, or two people in a relationship. 'das Pärchen' sounds smaller, often more personal or somewhat affectionate. For people, it usually means two people in love. Learners may confuse the words because both are often used for two people in a relationship. If you want to speak neutrally or factually, 'das Paar' is usually safer. 'das Pärchen' is more suitable in everyday situations when you mean a couple in love or a closely connected team of two.
Pärchen
Im Park saß ein junges Pärchen auf einer Bank.
A young couple was sitting on a bench in the park.
Paar
Das Paar hat im Standesamt geheiratet.
The couple got married at the registry office.
In real life
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