little daughter
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little daughter
An affectionate or diminutive term for a small or young daughter.
Die stolzen Eltern zeigten allen Fotos von ihrem neugeborenen Töchterchen.
The proud parents showed everyone photos of their newborn little daughter.
'Töchterchen' (little daughter) is the diminutive form of 'die Tochter' (daughter). The ending '-chen' makes a noun small and cute. In the process, the article always becomes 'das', and the vowel often changes to an umlaut (here: o → ö).
Aus dem kleinen Mädchen ist eine junge Frau geworden, aber für ihren Vater bleibt sie sein Töchterchen.
The little girl has become a young woman, but to her father she remains his little daughter.
This word is used almost exclusively in an affectionate, emotional context. It expresses fondness and is often used by parents or grandparents.
„Na, mein Töchterchen, wie war dein Tag?“, fragte der Vater.
'Well, my little daughter, how was your day?' asked the father.
'Töchterchen' (little daughter) is often combined with affectionate adjectives to intensify the fondness. Typical examples are 'kleines Töchterchen' (little daughter), 'süßes Töchterchen' (sweet little daughter), or 'liebes Töchterchen' (dear little daughter).
Ihr kleines Töchterchen hat gerade laufen gelernt.
Their little daughter has just learned to walk.
girl
'das Mädchen' and 'das Töchterchen' can both refer to a female child. 'Mädchen' is neutral and general. 'Töchterchen' additionally says that she is someone's daughter and sounds affectionate or diminutive. That is why 'Töchterchen' fits better when parents or other people speak tenderly about a little daughter. Learners might confuse the words because both are often used about children. The important point is: not every girl is a 'Töchterchen' in the situation, but only from the family’s point of view or with an affectionate tone.
Herr Kaya holt sein Töchterchen jeden Nachmittag vom Kindergarten ab.
Mr. Kaya picks up his little daughter from kindergarten every afternoon.
Ein Mädchen aus unserer Straße lernt gerade Fahrrad fahren.
A girl from our street is learning to ride a bike.