01
der Schwabe
Swabian
A resident of the Swabia region in southern Germany.
example
Mein Kollege ist gebürtiger Schwabe und kommt aus Stuttgart.
My colleague is a native Swabian and comes from Stuttgart.
der Schwabe
Swabian
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
N-declension
'Der Schwabe' (the Swabian) is a masculine noun of the N-declension. This means it takes the ending '-n' in all cases except the nominative singular.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe gestern mit einem Schwaben gesprochen.
I spoke with a Swabian yesterday.
Context clue
The stereotypical meaning is often recognized from a context that refers to money, saving, or stinginess. The geographical meaning is usually made clear by information about origin, such as 'aus Stuttgart' (from Stuttgart) or 'in Schwaben' (in Swabia).
EXAMPLE
Er kauft nur im Sonderangebot – ein typischer Schwabe.
He only buys things on sale—a typical Swabian.
Cultural stereotype
The second meaning of the word is based on the cultural stereotype that people from Swabia are especially thrifty. Depending on the situation, this term can be understood humorously or as a negative cliché.
EXAMPLE
Wirf das nicht weg! Sei doch kein Schwabe!
Don't throw that away! Don't be such a Swabian!
In real life
Loading video examples...