der / die  Erwachsene

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛʁˈvaksnə/

👤 What does "Erwachsene(r)" mean?

The word „Erwachsene“ is a nominalized adjective (an adjective used as a noun) meaning 'adult' or 'grown-up'. It's used to describe a person who is no longer considered a child or adolescent, often referring to biological or legal majority.

The distinction based on gender using the article is important:

• der Erwachsene: Refers to a male adult person.
• die Erwachsene: Refers to a female adult person.

The plural form is always die Erwachsenen for people of any gender.

It derives from the verb erwachsen (to grow up, mature).

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der/Die Erwachsene

As a nominalized adjective, „Erwachsene(r)“ is declined accordingly. The declension depends on the preceding article word (definite, indefinite) or if none is present (strong declension, less commonly shown here).

Declension: der Erwachsene (masculine)

Declension: die Erwachsene (feminine)

Declension: die Erwachsenen (plural)

Note: Mixed declension is used after possessive articles (mein, dein...) or the negation article (kein).

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Erwachsene bezahlte die Rechnung. (The adult [male] paid the bill. - Nominative Singular, masc.)
2. Die Meinung eines Erwachsenen ist oft gefragt. (The opinion of an adult [male] is often sought. - Genitive Singular, masc., mixed)
3. Ich sprach mit der Erwachsenen. (I spoke with the adult [female]. - Dative Singular, fem.)
4. Eine Erwachsene stand am Eingang. (An adult [female] stood at the entrance. - Nominative Singular, fem., mixed)
5. Das Spiel ist nur für Erwachsene geeignet. (The game is only suitable for adults. - Accusative Plural, often used without article, then strong declension: für Erwachsene)
6. Die Erwachsenen saßen am Tisch und unterhielten sich. (The adults sat at the table talking. - Nominative Plural)

💡 Everyday Usage

„Erwachsene(r)“ is frequently used to distinguish a person from a child or adolescent. This can relate to age, maturity, or legal aspects.

• Age Specification: Often synonymous with „volljährig“ (legally adult, over 18 in Germany). Example: „Der Eintritt ist nur für Erwachsene.“ (Admission is for adults only.)
• Maturity: Can also imply a certain mental or emotional maturity. Example: „Benimm dich wie ein Erwachsener!“ (Behave like an adult!)
• Formal Context: Used in official forms or for age restrictions.
• Distinction: Used to define responsibilities or rights not granted to children. Example: „Das müssen die Erwachsenen entscheiden.“ (The adults have to decide that.)

🚨 Caution: Don't confuse the noun „Erwachsene(r)“ with the adjective „erwachsen“. Example: „Er ist ein erwachsener Mann.“ (He is an adult man.) vs. „Er ist ein Erwachsener.“ (He is an adult.)

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the articles (der/die): Think of the underlying person: Der Mann (the man) is der Erwachsene. Die Frau (the woman) is die Erwachsene.

For the meaning: The word comes from „wachsen“ (to grow). Someone who has finished growing ('gewachsen') is an Er-wachsen-er. Imagine a plant that has reached its full size – it's 'erwachsen' (grown up).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Warum gehen Erwachsene so gerne auf den Spielplatz?
... Weil sie dort endlich mal wieder Kind sein dürfen, ohne schief angeschaut zu werden – zumindest bis die echten Kinder kommen und sie vom Klettergerüst schubsen!

Translation: Why do adults like going to the playground so much?
... Because there they can finally be kids again without getting funny looks – at least until the real kids come and push them off the climbing frame!

✒️ Poem: Being an Adult

Nicht mehr klein, die Zeit verrann,
der Erwachsene steht seinen Mann.
Verantwortung, die Pflicht, sie ruft,
durch das Leben weht ein neuer Duft.

Die Erwachsene, stark und klar,
meistert Hürden, Jahr für Jahr.
Doch tief im Herzen, leis' und sacht,
ist oft ein Kind noch aufgewacht.

Translation:
No longer small, time flew by,
the adult man holds his own.
Responsibility, duty calls,
a new scent wafts through life.

The adult woman, strong and clear,
masters hurdles, year after year.
But deep in the heart, quiet and gentle,
a child has often awoken still.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin kein Kind mehr, das ist klar,
bin oft schon über achtzehn Jahr'.
Mal männlich (der), mal weiblich (die),
wer bin ich wohl, sag schnell, wie?

Translation:
I'm no longer a child, that much is clear,
I'm often already over eighteen years.
Sometimes masculine (der), sometimes feminine (die),
who am I, tell me quickly, what could it be?

Solution: Der/Die Erwachsene (The adult)

🧩 Other Information

• Word Origin: Derived from the past participle of the verb „erwachsen“, meaning 'to grow up', 'to mature'.
• Legal Meaning: In Germany, one is typically considered legally adult (volljährig) upon reaching the age of 18.
• Nominalized Adjectives: „Erwachsene(r)“ is a classic example of an adjective used as a noun (nominalization). Other examples include „Bekannte(r)“ (acquaintance), „Verwandte(r)“ (relative), „Deutsche(r)“ (German person).