der Winzling
tiny one
A very small, usually slight person or living creature.
EXAMPLE
Der kleine Winzling hielt sich tapfer neben seinen großen Geschwistern.
The little one bravely held his own alongside his big siblings.
der Winzling
tiny one
der Winzling, die Winzlinge
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Meanings
der Winzling
tiny thing
Something that is strikingly small compared with other things of the same kind.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Winzling von einem Auto passt problemlos in jede Parklücke.
This tiny car fits easily into any parking space.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Winzling, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Winzlinge |
| genitive | des Winzlings |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Winzling | die Winzlinge |
| accusative | den Winzling | die Winzlinge |
| dative | dem Winzling | den Winzlingen |
| genitive | des Winzlings | der Winzlinge |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Winzling' is reminiscent of 'winzig' (tiny) and makes small size the core of the expression. The ending '-ling' forms a noun here for a single small creature or thing.
EXAMPLE
Der Winzling unter den Küken wurde besonders vorsichtig gefüttert.
The runt among the chicks was fed with particular care.
Style and register
'Winzling' is a vivid, often affectionate or humorous expression. In factual texts, the word often sounds too emotional or figurative.
EXAMPLE
Alle mussten lächeln, als der Winzling mutig auf die große Bühne trat.
Everyone had to smile when the little one bravely stepped onto the big stage.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether 'Winzling' refers to a person or living creature or to an object. With people and animals, verbs describing behavior or movement often appear; with objects, references to size, space, or performance are more common.
EXAMPLE
Der Winzling wedelte begeistert mit dem Schwanz.
The little one wagged its tail enthusiastically.
Der Winzling von einem Rucksack bietet trotzdem erstaunlich viel Platz.
The tiny backpack still offers a surprisingly large amount of space.
In real life
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