das  Ehepaar

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈeːəˌpaːɐ̯/

👫 What does 'das Ehepaar' mean?

The German word das Ehepaar refers to two people who are married to each other – a husband and wife, or two spouses of the same gender. It's a collective noun referring to the couple as a single unit.

The article is das (neuter) because the base word "Paar" (pair, couple) is neuter (das Paar). The prefix "Ehe-" (marriage) specifies the type of couple (one joined in marriage).

There is only this one meaning and the article das.

🧐 Grammar of 'Ehepaar' in Detail

The noun "Ehepaar" is neuter and uses the article "das". Here's its declension:

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

Example Sentences

• Das Ehepaar Müller feiert heute Goldene Hochzeit.
  (The married couple Müller is celebrating their golden anniversary today.)
• Die Kinder des Ehepaares sind schon erwachsen.
  (The children of the married couple are already adults.)
• Wir haben dem Ehepaar zur Hochzeit gratuliert.
  (We congratulated the married couple on their wedding.)
• Ich habe das Ehepaar gestern im Park gesehen.
  (I saw the married couple in the park yesterday.)
• Auf der Feier waren viele Ehepaare anwesend.
  (Many married couples were present at the party.)

💬 How to use 'Ehepaar'?

"Das Ehepaar" is used to refer to a married couple as a unit. It's a neutral and common term in everyday language as well as more formal contexts.

• Context: You use it when talking about neighbors, friends, family members, or couples mentioned in reports or official documents.
• Difference from "Eheleute": "Eheleute" is a plural noun (only used in the plural) and often sounds a bit more formal or legalistic than "Ehepaar". You would say "die Eheleute Müller" (the Müllers as married people, plural), but "das Ehepaar Müller" (the Müller couple as a unit, singular). When referring to multiple couples, you can use "die Ehepaare" or "die Eheleute".
• Example: "Das junge Ehepaar zog in die Nachbarwohnung." (The young married couple moved into the neighboring apartment. - referring to one specific couple) vs. "Viele Ehepaare wünschen sich Kinder." (Many married couples wish for children. - referring to couples in general)

💡 Mnemonics for 'Ehepaar'

Mnemonic for the article (das):

Think of other pairs in German: das Paar Socken (the pair of socks), das Paar Schuhe (the pair of shoes)... and therefore also das Ehepaar. The base word "Paar" dictates the neuter article!

Mnemonic for the meaning:

An Ehe (marriage) makes two people into a Paar (pair/couple) – together they are das Ehepaar. 💍

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar words (Potential for confusion):

• Paar: Can refer to any couple (e.g., ein Liebespaar - a couple in love, ein Paar Schuhe - a pair of shoes), not just a married one.
• Verlobte: (Engaged couple/fiancés) - A couple planning to marry but not yet married.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter das Ehepaar bei der Scheidung: "Haben Sie überhaupt versucht, sich gütlich zu einigen?"
Antwortet der Mann: "Aber ja, Herr Richter! Wir haben monatelang darum gekämpft, wer das Sorgerecht für den Hund bekommt."
Richter: "Und wer hat es bekommen?"
Mann: "Meine Frau. Sie hat gedroht, ihn sonst mitzunehmen."

Translation:

The judge asks the married couple during the divorce: "Did you even try to reach an amicable agreement?"
The man replies: "Oh yes, Your Honor! We fought for months over who gets custody of the dog."
Judge: "And who got it?"
Man: "My wife. She threatened to take him with her otherwise."

📜 Poem about the 'Ehepaar'

Zwei Herzen, die im gleichen Takt nun schlagen,
als Ehepaar durchs Leben tragen.
Gemeinsam lachen, manchmal weinen,
sich stets aufs Neue fest vereinen.
Ob Sonnenschein, ob Sturmgebraus,
sie bauen sich ihr Liebeshaus.
Ein Ring am Finger, ein Versprechen klar,
so lebt und liebt das Ehepaar.

Translation:

Two hearts that now beat in the same rhythm,
carry through life as a married couple.
Laughing together, sometimes crying,
always firmly uniting anew.
Whether sunshine, whether stormy blast,
they build their house of love.
A ring on the finger, a clear promise,
this is how the married couple lives and loves.

🧩 A Riddle

Ich bestehe aus zwei, doch bin nur eins im Sinn,
Trage Ringe, doch bin kein König und keine Königin.
Hab' „Ja“ gesagt vor Zeugen und Altar,
Bin verbunden durch Liebe, Jahr für Jahr.

Wer oder was bin ich?

Translation:

I consist of two, yet am only one in mind,
I wear rings, but am no king and no queen.
I said "Yes" before witnesses and altar,
Am bound by love, year after year.

Who or what am I?

Solution: Das Ehepaar (The married couple)

✨ Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition

The word "Ehepaar" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Ehe: Meaning "marriage" or "matrimony". It stems from the Old High German word "ēwa", which originally meant "law" or "contract".
• Paar: Meaning "pair" or "couple". It comes from the Latin "par" (equal).

So, literally, it translates to a "marriage-pair" or "marriage couple".

Cultural Aspect

In Germany, das Ehepaar is often considered a significant social and legal unit, for instance, in tax law (Ehegattensplitting - income splitting for married couples) or legal representation.