der
Kinderarzt
🩺 What exactly is a Kinderarzt?
Der Kinderarzt (plural: die Kinderärzte) is a male doctor who specializes in the medical treatment of infants, children, and adolescents. The English equivalent is a pediatrician. The specific German term for this field is Pädiatrie or Kinderheilkunde.
The female form is die Kinderärztin (plural: die Kinderärztinnen).
It refers to a medical specialist in pediatrics and adolescent medicine.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Male characters → always masculine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Kinderarzt
The word 'Kinderarzt' is a masculine noun. It always uses the article 'der'.
Singular
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Meaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Kinderarzt | (the pediatrician) |
| Genitive | des | Kinderarztes | (of the pediatrician) |
| Dative | dem | Kinderarzt / Kinderarzte | (to/for the pediatrician) |
| Accusative | den | Kinderarzt | (the pediatrician) |
Plural
| Case | Article | Noun | (English Meaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kinderärzte | (the pediatricians) |
| Genitive | der | Kinderärzte | (of the pediatricians) |
| Dative | den | Kinderärzten | (to/for the pediatricians) |
| Accusative | die | Kinderärzte | (the pediatricians) |
Example Sentences
- Der Kinderarzt untersucht das kranke Kind.
(The pediatrician examines the sick child.) - Wir haben morgen einen Termin bei dem Kinderarzt.
(We have an appointment with the pediatrician tomorrow.) - Die Empfehlung des Kinderarztes war eindeutig.
(The pediatrician's recommendation was clear.) - Viele Eltern vertrauen den Kinderärzten in dieser Klinik.
(Many parents trust the pediatricians in this clinic.)
🗣️ When to use Kinderarzt?
The term 'der Kinderarzt' is used when talking about a male medical doctor specializing in pediatrics. You use it in everyday German when discussing doctor's visits with children or describing the profession.
- Context: Medical care for children, job descriptions.
- Distinction: 'Die Kinderärztin' refers to a female pediatrician. 'Der Arzt' (doctor) is more general and not specific to children. 'Der Pädiater' is a synonymous technical term.
- Typical phrases: "Wir müssen zum Kinderarzt gehen." (We have to go to the pediatrician.) or "Er möchte später Kinderarzt werden." (He wants to become a pediatrician later.)
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Here are some memory aids for 'der Kinderarzt':
Article 'der': Think of 'der' like 'the' masculine guy. Der Mann, der Arzt. A Kinderarzt (in this form) is a male doctor, helping you remember the masculine article.
Meaning: The word is a compound: Kinder (children) + Arzt (doctor) = doctor for children. It's quite logical!
↔️ Similar and Contrasting Terms
Synonyms
- Pädiater: Technical term, often used in medical contexts, similar to 'pediatrician'.
- (Colloquial) Kinderdoktor: More childish or very informal term, like 'kiddie doctor'.
Antonyms/Contrasts
- Erwachsenenmediziner / Internist: Doctor for adults / Internist.
- Andere Fachärzte: Other specialists, e.g., Chirurg (surgeon), Augenarzt (ophthalmologist) - they might treat children but aren't specialized pediatricians.
- Kinderärztin: Female form.
⚠️ Be careful: Don't confuse 'Kinderarzt' with 'Hausarzt' (family doctor/GP). A 'Hausarzt' often treats the whole family, but a 'Kinderarzt' has specialized training in children's diseases.
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Kinderarzt die Mutter: "Nimmt Ihr Sohn das Medikament, das ich ihm verschrieben habe?"
Antwortet die Mutter: "Oh ja, Herr Doktor! Er übt schon den ganzen Tag das Sterben, damit er es nicht nehmen muss!"
(Translation: The pediatrician asks the mother: "Is your son taking the medicine I prescribed him?"
The mother replies: "Oh yes, Doctor! He's been practicing dying all day so he doesn't have to take it!")
✍️ A Poem about the Kinderarzt
Wenn Schnupfen plagt und Husten quält,
und Fieber hoch die Stirne zählt,
wer hilft dem Kind, ganz unverdrossen?
Der Kinderarzt, mit Wissen großem!
Er hört gut zu, schaut tief ins Ohr,
bringt Trost und lindert, was zuvor
so schmerzhaft war und Sorgen machte,
bis dass das Kinderlächeln lachte.
(Translation: When sniffles bother and coughs torment,
and fever high on the forehead is spent,
who helps the child, quite undeterred?
The pediatrician, with great knowledge spurred!
He listens well, looks deep in the ear,
brings comfort and soothes what before
was painful and caused worry's art,
until the child's smile made a new start.)
🕵️ Who am I? A Riddle
Ich trage Weiß, doch bin kein Koch.
Ich helfe Kleinen, immer noch.
Ob Pocken, Fieber oder Schmerz,
ich hab' für Kinder stets ein Herz.
Mein Wartezimmer ist oft bunt,
ich mach' die Kleinsten schnell gesund.
Wer bin ich?
(Translation:
I wear white, but I'm not a cook.
I help little ones, still taking a look.
Whether pox, fever, or pain,
I always have a heart for children's gain.
My waiting room is often bright,
I make the little ones healthy, day and night.
Who am I?)(Solution: der Kinderarzt / the pediatrician)
🧩 Additional Info
Word Composition:
The word 'Kinderarzt' is a compound noun, formed from:
Field of Medicine:
The medical specialty is called Pädiatrie (Pediatrics) or Kinderheilkunde (literally: child-healing-lore/science).
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kinderarzt?
The word 'Kinderarzt' refers to a male pediatrician and is always masculine. The correct article is der Kinderarzt.