der / die  Angehörige

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaŋəˌhøːʁɪɡə/

📖 What does "Angehörige" mean?

_The word_ Angehörige _is a nominalized adjective derived from_ "angehörig" (_belonging to_). _It refers to a person who belongs to a specific group, usually a family, but also an organization, group, or status group. The choice of article depends on the gender of the person:_

• der Angehörige: _Refers to a male person belonging to a family or group (a male relative, a male member)._
• die Angehörige: _Refers to a female person belonging to a family or group (a female relative, a female member)._
• die Angehörigen (Plural): _Refers to multiple people (male, female, or mixed) belonging to a family or group (the relatives, the members)._

🚨 _Attention:_ _Grammatically, this is an adjective used as a noun. Therefore, its declension follows the rules for adjectives!_

📐 Grammar in Detail: Der/Die Angehörige

_Since_ "Angehörige(r)" _is a nominalized adjective, it is declined differently depending on gender and case. It follows the rules of adjective declension (weak, mixed, strong declension)._

_Declension of_ "der Angehörige" (masculine)

Singular

_Declension of_ "die Angehörige" (feminine)

Singular

_Declension of_ "die Angehörigen" (plural)

_Example Sentences_

1. Der Angehörige des Patienten wurde informiert.
   (The patient's [male] relative was informed.)
2. Die Polizei sprach mit einer Angehörigen des Opfers.
   (The police spoke with a [female] relative of the victim.)
3. Die Angehörigen trauern gemeinsam.
   (The relatives mourn together.)
4. Als Angehöriger der Universität hat er Zugang zur Bibliothek.
   (As a [male] member of the university, he has access to the library.)
5. Sie ist Angehörige eines alten Adelsgeschlechts.
   (She is a [female] member of an old noble family.)

💡 How to Use "Angehörige"?

• _In a family context:_ _Very commonly used to refer to relatives, especially in official or legal language (e.g., in hospitals, at authorities)._ "Die Angehörigen wurden benachrichtigt." (_The relatives were notified._)
• _In an organizational context:_ _Refers to members of a group, organization, institution, or social class._ "Er ist Angehöriger des Bundestages." (_He is a member of the German parliament._) "Sie ist Angehörige der medizinischen Berufe." (_She belongs to the medical professions._)
• _Compared to_ "Verwandte": "Verwandte" _refers more specifically to connections by blood or marriage._ "Angehörige" _can be broader and also include members of a group who are not related by family. In a family context, the terms are often interchangeable, although_ "Angehörige" _can sound slightly more formal._
• _Compared to_ "Mitglied": "Mitglied" (_member_) _often emphasizes belonging to an organization more strongly and usually implies formal admission._ "Angehöriger" _can also describe belonging to a social class or professional group without a formal membership status._

_The plural_ "die Angehörigen" _is often used in a gender-neutral way when the gender of the individuals is unknown or irrelevant, or when referring to a mixed group._

🧠 Memory Aids for Angehörige

1. _Article Mnemonic (der/die):_ _Think of typical gender associations in German:_ Der _Mann (the man) is_ der Angehörige. Die _Frau (the woman) is_ die Angehörige. (_Although the ending '-e' is the same for both in the nominative singular with the definite article, associating them with 'der Mann' and 'die Frau' helps differentiate the masculine 'der' from the feminine 'die'._) _Alternatively: The sir_ (Herr) _belongs -> der Angehörige. The lady_ (Dame) _belongs -> die Angehörige._
2. _Meaning Mnemonic (Belonging):_ _The word contains_ "angehörig" (_belonging_). _Someone who is an_ "Angehörige(r)" belongs to _a group (family, club, etc.). Imagine someone_ hanging on (_anhängen -> angehörig_) _to their family or group like a pendant or follower._

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ _Similar but potentially misleading words:_

• Abgeordnete(r): (_delegate, representative_) _An elected member of a parliament (more specific than Angehörige(r) of an institution)._
• Angestellte(r): (_employee_) _Someone in an employment relationship (not primarily about group belonging)._

😄 A Little Joke

_German:_ Fragt der Arzt den aufgeregten Mann im Wartezimmer: "Sind Sie der Angehörige?"
Antwortet der Mann: "Nein, ich bin der Abhängige! Ich brauche dringend Kaffee!"

English Translation: _The doctor asks the agitated man in the waiting room: "Are you the relative?"_ (Angehörige)
_The man replies: "No, I'm the dependent/addict! I desperately need coffee!"_ (Abhängige - _a pun on the similar sound_)

✍️ Poem about Angehörige

German:
Ob der Angehörige, stark und klar,
Ob die Angehörige, wunderbar,
Sie teilen Freud, sie teilen Leid,
In schlechter und in guter Zeit.
Die Angehörigen, Hand in Hand,
Ein festes Band im ganzen Land.
Ob Familie, Verein, ob Stand,
Zusammenhalt ist ihr Pfand.

English Translation:
_Whether_ the male relative/member, _strong and clear,_
_Whether_ the female relative/member, _so dear,_
_They share the joy, they share the pain,_
_Through times of loss and times of gain._
The relatives/members, _hand in hand,_
_A solid bond throughout the land._
_Be it family, club, or social strand,_
_Solidarity is their command._

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich kann männlich sein mit "der",
Ich kann weiblich sein, das ist nicht schwer.
Ich gehöre zu 'ner Gruppe, das ist klar,
Bin oft Familie, Jahr für Jahr.
Im Plural sind wir meistens "die",
Wer bin ich, sag es mir, wie?

English Translation:
_I can be masculine with "der",_
_I can be feminine, it's not a blur._
_I belong to a group, that much is clear,_
_Often family, year after year._
_In plural, we are mostly "die",_
_Who am I? Tell me, oh my!_

Solution: Der/Die Angehörige (_or_ die Angehörigen - _the relative(s)/member(s)_)

✨ Other Information

_Word Composition:_

_The word_ "Angehörige(r)" _is a nominalization (substantivierung) of the adjective_ "angehörig" (_belonging_). _This, in turn, derives from the verb_ "angehören", _meaning_ "to belong to". _It consists of the prefix_ "an-" (_indicating direction or connection_) _and the verb_ "gehören" (_to belong_).

_Cultural Context:_

_The term often carries a formal or legal connotation, especially in healthcare or administrative procedures in Germany. The obligation to inform_ "Angehörige" (_relatives_) _is legally mandated in many situations._