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.
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.
relative
'der Verwandte' and 'der Vetter' both refer to a male person in the family. However, 'Verwandter' is much more general: it can be an uncle, cousin, or brother-in-law, for example. 'Vetter' is more specific and means the son of an aunt or uncle. Today, people often say 'Cousin' for this in German, but 'Vetter' is still understandable. Learners may confuse the words because a Vetter is always a Verwandter. Conversely, however, not every Verwandter is a Vetter.
Ihr Vetter kommt am Wochenende zu Besuch, weil sie zusammen feiern wollen.
Her cousin is coming to visit this weekend because they want to celebrate together.
Im Urlaub habe ich einen Verwandten meiner Mutter besucht.
On vacation, I visited a relative of my mother’s.