der
Neffe
👨👩👧👦 What does "der Neffe" mean?
The German word der Neffe means 'nephew'. It refers to the son of one's brother or sister.
- It's the male counterpart to 'die Nichte' (niece), the daughter of one's brother or sister.
- The article is always der because it refers to a male person. It's a masculine noun.
🚨 Be careful not to confuse 'der Neffe' (nephew) with 'der Cousin' (male cousin)!
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 in Detail: Der Neffe
"Der Neffe" is a masculine noun belonging to the N-Deklination (weak declension). This means it takes an "-n" ending in all cases except the nominative singular.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Neffe |
| Genitive | des | Neffen |
| Dative | dem | Neffen |
| Accusative | den | Neffen |
Plural Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Neffen |
| Genitive | der | Neffen |
| Dative | den | Neffen |
| Accusative | die | Neffen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Nominative: Der Neffe besucht seine Tante. (The nephew visits his aunt.)
- Genitive: Das ist das Fahrrad des Neffen. (That is the nephew's bicycle.)
- Dative: Ich gebe dem Neffen ein Geschenk. (I give the nephew a present.)
- Accusative: Siehst du den Neffen dort drüben? (Do you see the nephew over there?)
- Plural: Die Tante liebt ihre beiden Neffen sehr. (The aunt loves both her nephews very much.)
🗣️ How to use "der Neffe"?
"Der Neffe" is used exclusively in the context of family relationships. It describes the specific relationship between a person (uncle or aunt) and their sibling's son.
- Typical Context: Family conversations, introductions (e.g., "Das ist mein Neffe Paul." - This is my nephew Paul.), describing family trees.
- Distinction: A 'Cousin' or 'Vetter' is the son of an aunt or uncle, not a sibling. A 'Enkel' (grandson) is the son of one's own child.
- Connotation: The word is often associated with positive family feelings (pride, affection).
🧠 Mnemonics
Article Mnemonic
Remember: 'Der Neffe' is a male person, just like 'der Mann', 'der Bruder', 'der Sohn'. Masculine person = masculine article 'der'.
Meaning Mnemonic
The German word 'Neffe' sounds quite similar to the English word 'nephew'. Focus on that similarity to remember the meaning.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
While 'Neffe' is the standard term, there are very rare, more specific synonyms:
- Brudersohn: (Very archaic or regional) brother's son.
- Schwestersohn: (Very archaic or regional) sister's son.
Antonyms
- die Nichte: The direct female counterpart; the daughter of one's brother or sister (niece).
⚠️ Similar but different words
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Onkel seinen kleinen Neffen: "Na, mein Junge, was möchtest du denn mal werden, wenn du groß bist?"
Antwortet der Neffe: "Rentner!"
(Translation: The uncle asks his little nephew: "Well, my boy, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
The nephew answers: "A pensioner!")
📜 Poem about the Nephew
Der Neffe, keck und froh,
Bringt Leben ins Haus, sowieso.
Der Sohn von Bruder oder Schwester mein,
Soll stets willkommen sein.
Mal laut, mal leise, immer da,
Ein lieber Neffe, wunderbar!
(Translation:
The nephew, cheeky and happy,
Brings life into the house, anyway.
The son of my brother or sister,
Shall always be welcome.
Sometimes loud, sometimes quiet, always there,
A dear nephew, wonderful!)
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin der Sohn von deinem Bruder,
oder deiner Schwester, Ruder
hältst du vielleicht nicht in der Hand,
doch sag, wie werd' ich hier genannt?
(Translation:
I am the son of your brother,
or your sister, an oar
you might not hold in your hand,
but tell me, how am I named in this land?)
(Solution: der Neffe / the nephew)
✨ More Information
- Etymology: The word 'Neffe' comes from the Old High German 'nevo', which originally had a broader meaning and could also refer to grandsons or other male relatives. The current, narrower meaning became established later.
- Feminine Form: The female equivalent is 'die Nichte' (niece).
- Diminutive: Sometimes pet forms like 'Neffchen' can be heard, but this is rather rare and colloquial.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Neffe?
The word "Neffe" means nephew (son of a sibling) and is always masculine. Therefore, the correct article is exclusively der Neffe. It follows the N-declension pattern.