das Püppchen
little doll
A small doll, especially a toy doll for children.
EXAMPLE
Das Püppchen aus Porzellan stand auf dem Regal.
The porcelain doll stood on the shelf.
das Püppchen
little doll
das Püppchen, die Püppchen
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Meanings
das Püppchen
doll-like girl / young woman
A petite, often young woman or girl who is perceived as pretty and cute. The term can sound derogatory or condescending because it reduces the person to her appearance.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitschrift präsentierte die neue Schauspielerin als blondes Püppchen.
The magazine presented the new actress as a blonde doll.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Püppchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Püppchen |
| genitive | des Püppchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Püppchen | die Püppchen |
| accusative | das Püppchen | die Püppchen |
| dative | dem Püppchen | den Püppchen |
| genitive | des Püppchens | der Püppchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
The ending '-chen' identifies the diminutive form of 'Puppe' (doll). When referring to a person, this diminutive can also express an attitude: depending on the situation, it may sound affectionate or condescending.
EXAMPLE
In der Puppenstube saß ein winziges Püppchen am Tisch.
A tiny doll was sitting at the table in the dollhouse.
Er nannte seine Freundin „mein Püppchen“, was sie ziemlich herablassend fand.
He called his girlfriend 'mein Püppchen' (my little doll), which she found quite condescending.
Playing with
When referring to a Püppchen (little doll) as a toy, 'mit einem Püppchen spielen' (to play with a little doll) is a typical pattern. The preposition 'mit' takes the dative.
EXAMPLE
Das Kind spielte mit einem Püppchen und einem kleinen Stoffhund.
The child played with a doll and a small stuffed dog.
Typical comparison
When referring to a person, the phrase 'wie ein Püppchen aussehen' (to look like a little doll) is common. It often refers to a person's overall appearance, including clothing, hairstyle, and makeup; the comparison can also suggest that the person looks artificial.
EXAMPLE
Mit den sorgfältig gelegten Locken und dem rosa Kleid sah sie wie ein Püppchen aus.
With her carefully styled curls and pink dress, she looked like a little doll.
In real life
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