01
Schwiegereltern
parents-in-law
The parents of one's spouse or partner (mother-in-law and father-in-law).
example
An Weihnachten besuchen wir immer meine Schwiegereltern.
At Christmas, we always visit my parents-in-law.
Schwiegereltern
parents-in-law
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Schwieger-' (in-law) and 'Eltern' (parents). The prefix 'Schwieger-' is used for all family members by marriage, for example 'Schwiegermutter' (mother-in-law), 'Schwiegervater' (father-in-law), or 'Schwiegersohn' (son-in-law).
EXAMPLE
Meine Schwiegermutter ist eine sehr gute Köchin.
My mother-in-law is a very good cook.
Use in the plural
The word 'Schwiegereltern' (parents-in-law) is used almost exclusively in the plural, since it refers to both of a partner's parents. The singular form is extremely rare.
EXAMPLE
Meine Schwiegereltern wohnen leider sehr weit weg.
Unfortunately, my parents-in-law live very far away.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used in connection with parents-in-law are 'besuchen' (to visit), 'kennenlernen' (to meet / get to know), 'einladen' (to invite), or 'sich gut verstehen mit' (to get along well with).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss meine Schwiegereltern vom Bahnhof abholen.
I have to pick up my parents-in-law from the train station.
Compare with
Schwiegereltern vs Großeltern
grandparents
'die Großeltern' and 'die Schwiegereltern' both refer to pairs of parents in the family, but from different perspectives. 'Großeltern' are the parents of one's own mother or father. 'Schwiegereltern' are the parents of one's spouse or partner. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with family and older pairs of parents. This simple question helps: Is it about your family line? Then they are 'Großeltern'. Is it about the parents of your partner? Then they are 'Schwiegereltern'.
Schwiegereltern
Nach der Hochzeit lädt Maria ihre Schwiegereltern zum Essen ein.
After the wedding, Maria invites her parents-in-law to dinner.
Großeltern
Am Wochenende besucht Ali seine Großeltern auf dem Land.
At the weekend, Ali visits his grandparents in the countryside.
In real life
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