das Schweinchen
piglet
The diminutive form of Schwein (pig); a young or small pig, a piglet.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Bauernhof konnten die Kinder die kleinen Schweinchen füttern.
On the farm, the children were able to feed the little piglets.
das Schweinchen
piglet / piggy bank
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Meanings
das Schweinchen
piggy bank
A money box that often has the shape of a pig (synonym: Sparschwein, piggy bank).
EXAMPLE
Er wirft sein ganzes Kleingeld immer in sein Schweinchen.
He always puts all his loose change into his piggy bank.
das Schweinchen
little piggy
A colloquial term for a person who is messy or dirty; it can be meant disparagingly or affectionately.
EXAMPLE
Na, du kleines Schweinchen, du hast ja schon wieder alles vollgekleckert!
Well, you little piggy, you've spilled food all over everything again!
das Schweinchen
jack / target ball
In boules or pétanque, the small target ball at which the larger balls are thrown.
EXAMPLE
Sein erster Wurf landete perfekt direkt neben dem Schweinchen.
His first throw landed perfectly right next to the jack.
Usage tips
Word structure: diminutive
The word 'Schweinchen' (little pig / piglet) is the diminutive form of 'das Schwein' (the pig). The ending '-chen' makes a noun neuter (das) and expresses that something is small, young, or cute.
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Schweinchen läuft zu seiner Mutter.
The little piglet runs to its mother.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'Schweinchen' (piglet / piggy bank / little piggy) from the context. If it is about animals, it means a small pig. If it is about money, it means a piggy bank. If it refers to a person, it is an often affectionate description of messiness.
EXAMPLE
Wirf die Münzen bitte in dein Schweinchen.
Please put the coins in your piggy bank.
Cultural context
A pig or piglet is considered a symbol of good luck in Germany. A 'Glücksschwein' (lucky pig), often made of marzipan or as a small charm, is a popular gift for New Year's or before exams.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat mir als Glücksbringer ein kleines Schweinchen aus Porzellan geschenkt.
She gave me a little porcelain pig as a lucky charm.
Typical verbs
In connection with a piggy bank, figurative verbs are often used. You 'feed' the piggy bank with money, and you 'slaughter' it when you take the money out.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss mein Schweinchen schlachten, weil ich Geld für den Urlaub brauche.
I have to break open my piggy bank because I need money for the vacation.
Usage note
When a person is called a 'Schweinchen' (little piggy), it is not always negative. With children, the expression is often used affectionately to say that they have gotten dirty.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Essen im Garten war mein Sohn ein glückliches, kleines Schweinchen.
After eating in the garden, my son was a happy little piggy.
Compare with
Schweinchen vs Schwein
pig
Both Schwein and Schweinchen can refer to a dirty or messy person. Schwein normally sounds much harsher and more insulting. Schweinchen softens the term and, with the right tone, can even be meant affectionately.
Schweinchen
Du kleines Schweinchen hast schon wieder deine Kleidung überall liegen lassen!
You little piggy, you've left your clothes lying all over the place again!
Schwein
Du Schwein hast absichtlich überall schmutzige Kleidung liegen lassen!
You pig, you deliberately left dirty clothes lying everywhere!
In real life
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