das Patenkind
godchild
A child for whom someone has become a godparent at baptism, creating a special personal or religious relationship with the child.
EXAMPLE
Mein Patenkind wird nächsten Monat eingeschult.
My godchild starts school next month.
das Patenkind
godchild / sponsored child
das Patenkind, die Patenkinder
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Meanings
das Patenkind
sponsored child
A child whom someone supports through regular donations or by taking responsibility for their care, often as part of an aid program.
EXAMPLE
Durch ihre monatliche Spende kann ihr Patenkind in Afrika zur Schule gehen.
Her monthly donation allows her sponsored child in Africa to go to school.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Patenkind, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Patenkinder |
| genitive | des Patenkindes |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Patenkind | die Patenkinder |
| accusative | das Patenkind | die Patenkinder |
| dative | dem Patenkind | den Patenkindern |
| genitive | des Patenkindes des Patenkinds | der Patenkinder |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Compound word
'Patenkind' (godchild / sponsored child) is made up of 'Pate' (godparent / sponsor) and 'Kind' (child). The first part indicates that an adult is the child's godparent or sponsor.
EXAMPLE
Als Pate besucht er sein Patenkind regelmäßig.
As a godparent, he visits his godchild regularly.
Context clue
The religious meaning is often indicated by words such as 'Taufe' (baptism), 'Kirche' (church), or 'Pate' (godparent). It refers to a personal relationship established by becoming a godparent.
EXAMPLE
Bei der Taufe stand ihr Patenkind neben den Eltern in der Kirche.
At the baptism, her godchild stood next to the parents in the church.
Typical collocations
When referring to a child receiving support, 'Patenkind' (sponsored child) often appears with expressions such as 'monatlich spenden' (to donate monthly), 'finanziell unterstützen' (to support financially), or 'ein Hilfsprogramm' (an aid program).
EXAMPLE
Sie spendet jeden Monat Geld, damit ihr Patenkind eine gute Schule besuchen kann.
She donates money every month so that her sponsored child can attend a good school.
In real life
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