die / der  Minderjährige

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmɪndɐjɛːʁɪɡə/

📖 What does 'Minderjährige(r)' mean?

`Minderjährige` is a nominalized adjective (an adjective used as a noun) meaning a minor, i.e., a person who has not yet reached the legal age of majority (which is 18 in Germany).

The word distinguishes by gender:

• `Der Minderjährige`: Refers to a male person under 18.
• `Die Minderjährige`: Refers to a female person under 18.

In the plural, `die Minderjährigen` is always used, regardless of the gender composition of the group.

⚠️ It's a rather formal term, often used in legal or official contexts.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar: Declension of 'der/die Minderjährige'

Since `Minderjährige` is a nominalized adjective, it is declined accordingly. Here are the tables for the masculine and feminine forms.

Example Sentences 📝

• Der Minderjährige darf den Vertrag nicht allein unterschreiben.
  (The male minor is not allowed to sign the contract alone.)
• Die Polizei befragte die Minderjährige im Beisein ihrer Eltern.
  (The police questioned the female minor in the presence of her parents.)
• Der Jugendschutz gilt für alle Minderjährigen.
  (Youth protection applies to all minors.)
• Ist ein Minderjähriger anwesend?
  (Is a [male] minor present?)
• Sie ist noch eine Minderjährige.
  (She is still a [female] minor.)

🗣️ Usage in Context

The term `Minderjährige(r)` is mainly used in formal, legal, or official contexts. You'll find it in laws, regulations, news reports, or discussions about child protection and parental custody.

In everyday language, other words are often more common:

• `Jugendliche(r)`: Usually refers to teenagers (approx. 14-17 years), often less formal. Translates to adolescent or youth.
• `Kind`: Refers to younger people, usually before puberty. Translates to child.
• `Heranwachsende(r)`: A person transitioning to adulthood (often 18-21 years, even if legally already an adult). Translates roughly to adolescent or young adult.

So, you would rarely say among friends: "Mein Bruder ist ein Minderjähriger." You would more likely say: "Mein Bruder ist noch nicht 18" (My brother isn't 18 yet) or "Mein Bruder ist noch Jugendlicher" (My brother is still a teenager).

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article: Think of the biological sex: `Der` Mann (the man) -> `der` Minderjährige (the male minor); `Die` Frau (the woman) -> `die` Minderjährige (the female minor). For the plural, remember: `Die` Gruppe (the group) -> `die` Minderjährigen (the minors).

For the meaning: Imagine someone has 'minder' (less) 'Jahre' (years) than needed to be an adult. Less years = Minder-jährig = not yet of age = minor.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Be careful with the distinction: `Jugendliche(r)` is more common but not always a perfect substitute for `Minderjährige(r)`, as `Minderjährige` also includes children under 14.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum dürfen Minderjährige nicht alleine ins Casino?

Weil sie sonst ihr ganzes Taschengeld auf Rot setzen – und Rot ist die Farbe vom Stoppschild! 😉

--- English Translation ---

Why aren't minors allowed into the casino alone?

Because otherwise they'd bet all their pocket money on red – and red is the color of a stop sign! 😉

📜 Poem about Minors

Noch nicht ganz groß, noch nicht ganz frei,
die Welt entdecken, eins, zwei, drei.
Gesetze schützen, geben Halt,
bis man wird achtzehn Jahre alt.
Der Minderjährige träumt und lacht,
die Minderjährige gibt gut Acht.
Noch lernen, wachsen, Schritt für Schritt,
die Jugendzeit, ein bunter Ritt.

--- English Translation ---

Not yet quite grown, not yet quite free,
Discovering the world, one, two, three.
Laws protect, provide support,
Until one turns eighteen years old.
The male minor dreams and laughs,
The female minor pays close attention.
Still learning, growing, step by step,
Youth time, a colorful trip.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin noch keine achtzehn Jahr',
ob Junge oder Mädchen, das ist klar.
Für manche Verträge brauch ich Mama,
im Gesetzbuch steh' ich da.

Wer bin ich, männlich oder weiblich zwar?(... Der/Die Minderjährige)

--- English Translation ---

I am not yet eighteen years old,
Whether boy or girl, that's clear to behold.
For some contracts, I need my mom,
In the law book, there I am from.

Who am I, male or female though?
(... The male/female minor)

ℹ️ Other Information

Word Composition: The word is composed of 'minder' (less, lower) and the suffix '-jährig' (related to years). It literally means 'less-yeared'.

Legal Background: The distinction between minor (`minderjährig`) and adult (`volljährig`) is defined in Germany in the Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch - BGB § 2). Upon reaching the age of majority (turning 18), one gains full legal capacity and other rights and obligations.