auntie
das Tantchen, die Tantchen
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auntie
A familiar or affectionate term for an aunt; depending on the context, it can also sound slightly mocking or condescending.
Mein Tantchen besucht uns jeden Sonntag zum Kaffee.
My auntie visits us every Sunday for coffee.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Tantchen |
| genitive | des Tantchens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Tantchen | die Tantchen |
| accusative | das Tantchen | die Tantchen |
| dative | dem Tantchen | den Tantchen |
| genitive | des Tantchens | der Tantchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The ending '-chen' marks a diminutive; here, it follows 'Tant-', the shortened stem of 'Tante' (aunt). In this case, the ending does not indicate small physical size, but expresses a personal attitude toward the person.
Obwohl mein Tantchen größer ist als ich, nenne ich sie seit meiner Kindheit so.
Although my auntie is taller than I am, I've called her that since I was a child.
You can use 'Tantchen' (auntie) to address someone directly, even without mentioning their name. In personal letters or messages, you can use the greeting 'Liebes Tantchen' (Dear Auntie).
Liebes Tantchen, vielen Dank für deine Geburtstagskarte!
Dear Auntie, thank you so much for your birthday card!
'Tantchen' (auntie) is mainly used in private family conversations and personal letters. The term is unusual in factual or official texts.
Am Telefon erzählte ich meinem Bruder, dass unser Tantchen bald zu Besuch kommt.
On the phone, I told my brother that our auntie would be visiting soon.
