der  Nachwuchs

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnaːxˌvʊks/

👶 What does "der Nachwuchs" mean?

Der Nachwuchs is a masculine noun generally referring to the younger generation or offspring. It's often used collectively and usually in the singular form.

• Meaning 1: Children, offspring (of a family): Refers to the children or the next generation within a family.
  Example: Familie Müller freut sich über ihren Nachwuchs. (The Müller family is happy about their offspring.)
• Meaning 2: Young talents, new generation (in a field): Refers to young people joining or being promoted in a specific area (e.g., sports, profession, science).
  Example: Der Verein investiert viel in den sportlichen Nachwuchs. (The club invests a lot in young sporting talent.)

🚨 Attention: Although it can refer to multiple people (children, talents), "Nachwuchs" is mostly used as a collective noun in the singular. A plural form ("die Nachwüchse") is very rare and uncommon.

🧐 Grammar of "Nachwuchs" in Detail

The noun "Nachwuchs" is masculine (der Nachwuchs). It is almost exclusively used in the singular.

Singular Declension

💡 Note: The Dative singular can optionally be formed with an "-e" at the end (dem Nachwuchse), but this is rather formal or dated.

Example Sentences

1. Der stolze Vater sprach oft von seinem Nachwuchs. (The proud father often spoke of his offspring. - Nominative subject complement here, but refers to 'Nachwuchs' conceptually)
2. Die Förderung des Nachwuchses ist dem Verein wichtig. (The promotion of the young talent is important to the club. - Genitive)
3. Wir widmen uns heute dem Nachwuchs. (Today we dedicate ourselves to the young generation. - Dative)
4. Die Firma sucht dringend jungen Nachwuchs. (The company is urgently looking for young recruits/talent. - Accusative)

💬 How to use "Nachwuchs"?

"Der Nachwuchs" is a versatile word used in various contexts:

• In a family context: Usually means one's own children or the children of friends/acquaintances. It often sounds more general or prouder than simply "Kinder" (children). "Habt ihr schon Nachwuchs?" (Do you have children/offspring yet?)
• In a professional / sporting / artistic context: Refers to young talents, trainees, juniors, or the next generation of professionals, athletes, artists, etc. It often implies support or hope for the future. "Wir müssen den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs fördern." (We need to support the next generation of scientists / young scientific talent.)
• Figuratively: Sometimes used for young animals or plants, although this is less common.

Comparison with similar words:

• Kinder: More direct and neutral term for children.
• Sprössling(e): More affectionate or slightly dated term for child(ren).
• Junge Generation: Emphasizes the age difference and generational change more strongly.
• Talente/Junioren: More specific in the context of skills or sports.

Using "Nachwuchs" as a collective noun is practical when you don't want to specify the exact number or gender.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Nachwuchs"

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der" tree that keeps growing ("wuchs") branches after ("nach") the main trunk – that's der Nachwuchs. (Growth = often associated with masculine concepts symbolically).

Meaning Mnemonic: The new generation comes "nach" (after) and "wächst" (grows) up – that's the Nachwuchs, whether in the family or in a career.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Misleading Words:

• Zuwachs: Means general increase or growth, not specifically people/offspring (e.g., Wissenszuwachs - increase in knowledge, Bevölkerungszuwachs - population growth).
• Wachstum: The general process of growing or developing.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum beschwert sich der Gärtner nie über seinen Nachwuchs?

Weil er immer neue Sprösslinge hat!

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Translation:

Why does the gardener never complain about his offspring (Nachwuchs)?

Because he always has new sprouts (Sprösslinge)! (Note: Sprössling means both sprout and offspring)

📜 Poem about Nachwuchs

Klein und zart, beginnt die Fahrt,
Der Nachwuchs kommt, ganz eigner Art.
Ob im Sport, im Haus, im Job,
Sie wachsen schnell, im Galopp.
Neue Ideen, frischer Wind,
Die Zukunft, die mit ihnen beginnt.

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Translation:

Small and tender, the journey starts,
The offspring/new generation (Nachwuchs) arrives, of its own kind.
Whether in sports, at home, at work,
They grow quickly, at a gallop.
New ideas, a fresh breeze,
The future that begins with them.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin die Zukunft, klein und groß,
Mal laut, mal leise, sitz im Schoß.
Im Sportverein, da braucht man mich,
Auch Eltern freuen sich auf mich.
Ich wachse nach, Jahr für Jahr,
Wer bin ich wohl? Das ist doch klar!

Lösung: Der Nachwuchs

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Translation:

I am the future, small and large,
Sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, sit on a lap.
In the sports club, they need me,
Parents look forward to me too.
I grow after, year by year,
Who am I? It's quite clear!

Solution: Der Nachwuchs (offspring/young generation)

💡 More about the Word

Word Composition

The word "Nachwuchs" is composed of:

• nach: Preposition/adverb, here meaning "coming later", "following".
• Wuchs: Noun derived from the verb "wachsen" (to grow). Refers to the result of growing, stature, or here, the growing generation.

So it literally means "that which has grown afterward".

Trivia

The term "Nachwuchsförderung" (promotion of young talent/junior development) is a key topic in many areas of society, from business and sports to science, aiming to secure future success.