little son / sonny
das Söhnchen, die Söhnchen
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little son
A small or affectionate term for a son, often for a young child. Depending on the context, the word can also be used mockingly or disparagingly for a spoiled or dependent son.
Ihr Söhnchen spielt den ganzen Nachmittag im Garten.
Her little son plays in the garden all afternoon.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Söhnchen |
| genitive | des Söhnchens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Söhnchen | die Söhnchen |
| accusative | das Söhnchen | die Söhnchen |
| dative | dem Söhnchen | den Söhnchen |
| genitive | des Söhnchens | der Söhnchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Söhnchen' consists of 'Sohn' (son) and the diminutive suffix '-chen'; the 'o' changes to 'ö'. The ending '-chen' makes the term refer to something smaller or gives it an emotional tone.
Das Söhnchen schlief während der langen Zugfahrt ein.
The little son fell asleep during the long train journey.
'Söhnchen' often sounds affectionate or familiar. However, when referring to an adult or particularly dependent son, the term can sound mocking or condescending; context and tone are therefore important.
Vor den Gästen behandelte sie ihren erwachsenen Sohn immer noch wie ein kleines Söhnchen.
In front of guests, she still treated her adult son like a little boy.
'Söhnchen' often appears with a possessive word or a descriptive adjective, for example 'unser kleines Söhnchen' (our little son), 'sein liebes Söhnchen' (his dear little son), or 'das verwöhnte Söhnchen' (the spoiled little son). Such additions often show whether the term is meant affectionately or critically.
Sein verwöhntes Söhnchen wollte das neue Spielzeug sofort haben.
His spoiled little son wanted the new toy immediately.
