01
der Partner
partner
The person with whom you are in a committed romantic relationship or marriage.
example
Sie hat ihren Partner auf einer Reise kennengelernt.
She met her partner on a trip.
der Partner
partner
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clues
To understand what kind of partner is meant, pay attention to the context. Words like 'Beziehung' (relationship) or 'Liebe' (love) point to a life partner. Terms like 'Firma' (company) or 'Projekt' (project) indicate a business partner. Activities like 'Tanzkurs' (dance class) or 'Sport' (sports) signal an activity partner.
EXAMPLE
Mein Partner und ich planen unseren nächsten Urlaub.
My partner and I are planning our next vacation.
Word family
The noun 'der Partner' (partner) is the basis for 'die Partnerschaft' (partnership). A partnership can refer to a romantic relationship, business collaboration, or cooperation in an activity.
EXAMPLE
Eine gute Partnerschaft basiert auf Vertrauen und Kommunikation.
A good partnership is based on trust and communication.
Typical compounds
In a business context, 'Partner' (partner) often becomes part of compound nouns to specify the type of collaboration. Common examples are 'Geschäftspartner' (business partner), 'Kooperationspartner' (cooperation partner), or 'Vertragspartner' (contractual partner).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Firmen sind seit vielen Jahren enge Geschäftspartner.
The two companies have been close business partners for many years.
Typical compounds
In the context of activities, 'Partner' (partner) also often forms compound nouns. Typical examples are 'Tanzpartner' (dance partner), 'Trainingspartner' (training partner), or 'Gesprächspartner' (conversation partner).
EXAMPLE
Ich suche noch einen Tanzpartner für den Salsa-Kurs am Freitag.
I'm still looking for a dance partner for the salsa course on Friday.
Compare with
Partner vs Freund
friend / boyfriend
'der Freund' and 'der Partner' can both mean the man in a romantic relationship. 'Mein Freund' sounds very natural in everyday life, especially if you are not married. 'Mein Partner' is more neutral and somewhat more general; it also fits a committed relationship or marriage. Learners may confuse the words because 'Freund' can also simply mean a good male friend without romance. If it is not clear, the context or a more precise phrase like 'ein guter Freund' (a good friend) or 'mein Partner' (my partner) helps.
Partner
Bei der Anmeldung kann man den Namen des Partners eintragen.
When registering, you can enter the name of your partner.
Freund
Am Samstag bringt Lena ihren Freund mit zur Geburtstagsfeier.
On Saturday, Lena is bringing her boyfriend to the birthday party.
In real life
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