cousin
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cousin
The son of an uncle or aunt. Today, the word is often replaced by 'Cousin' in German, but it is still in use.
Mein Vetter aus Hamburg kommt uns am Wochenende besuchen.
My cousin from Hamburg is coming to visit us this weekend.
relative
An old-fashioned or humorous term for a person one feels connected to, or for a distant relative.
In der Operette „Der Vetter aus Dingsda“ geht es um einen unbekannten Verwandten aus der Ferne.
The operetta “Der Vetter aus Dingsda” is about an unknown relative from far away.
The word 'Vetter' (cousin) is a traditional German term. In today's everyday language, it is used less often and can therefore sound somewhat formal or slightly old-fashioned.
Mein Vetter ist Anwalt in Berlin.
My cousin is a lawyer in Berlin.
Historically, 'Vetter' (cousin) is closely related to the word 'Vater' (father). This connection can serve as a mnemonic to remember that it refers to a male relative.
Er ist mein Vetter väterlicherseits.
He is my cousin on my father's side.
The more general meaning for a distant or unknown relative is found today mainly in literary, historical, or humorous contexts. A well-known example is the title of the operetta 'Der Vetter aus Dingsda' (The Cousin from Nowhere).
Plötzlich stand ein unbekannter Vetter vor der Tür und behauptete, ein Erbe zu sein.
Suddenly an unknown relative stood at the door and claimed to be an heir.
cousin
Cousin and Vetter both refer to the son of an uncle or aunt. Cousin is the neutral modern term. Vetter is still used, but today it often sounds regional, traditional, or somewhat old-fashioned.
In der alten Familiengeschichte wird Tom als mein Vetter bezeichnet.
In the old family history, Tom is referred to as my cousin.
Tom ist mein Cousin und der Sohn meiner Tante.
Tom is my cousin and my aunt's son.
