das Vögelchen
little bird
The diminutive form of Vogel (bird); a small bird. The expression is often used affectionately or for young birds.
EXAMPLE
Ein kleines Vögelchen ist aus dem Nest gefallen.
A little bird has fallen out of the nest.
das Vögelchen
little bird
das Vögelchen, die Vögelchen
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Meanings
ein Vögelchen hat mir gezwitschert
a little bird told me
An idiom used to say that you received some information but do not want to name the source.
EXAMPLE
Ein Vögelchen hat mir gezwitschert, dass du bald befördert wirst.
A little bird told me that you're going to be promoted soon.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Vögelchen, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Vögelchen |
| genitive | des Vögelchens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Vögelchen | die Vögelchen |
| accusative | das Vögelchen | die Vögelchen |
| dative | dem Vögelchen | den Vögelchen |
| genitive | des Vögelchens | der Vögelchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word structure: diminutive
The ending '-chen' is a diminutive form. It turns 'der Vogel' (bird; o) into 'das Vögelchen' (little bird; ö). Words with '-chen' are always neuter (das) and often have an affectionate or cute meaning.
EXAMPLE
Schau mal, das kleine Vögelchen auf dem Ast!
Look, the little bird on the branch!
Fixed expression
The expression 'Ein Vögelchen hat mir gezwitschert' (a little bird told me) is a fixed idiom. You use it when you pass on information but want to keep the source secret. It is usually followed by a 'dass' clause.
EXAMPLE
Ein Vögelchen hat mir gezwitschert, dass du eine neue Stelle hast. Stimmt das?
A little bird told me that you have a new job. Is that true?
Context: feeling
In its literal meaning, 'Vögelchen' (little bird) is used not only for small birds, but also often in an emotional, affectionate context, for example when speaking with children or when you find an animal cute.
EXAMPLE
Das arme Vögelchen zittert vor Kälte.
The poor little bird is shivering from the cold.
In real life
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