erwachsen
adult · grown-up · grown up
Eine Person, die nicht mehr Kind ist, Verantwortung tragen kann und selbstständig lebt.
The German word "erwachsen" is an adjective that means "grown-up" or "adult".
Component Meanings:
- "er" is a prefix typically used in verbs.
- "wachsen" is a verb meaning "to grow".
Similar Words:
- "Erwachsener" (adult, noun form)
- "mündig" (of age, legal term for being an adult)
- "reif" (mature)
Differences:
- "Erwachsener" is a noun explicitly referring to a person who is an adult.
- "mündig" is a legal term indicating the age of majority and is often used in formal contexts related to legal rights and responsibilities.
- "reif" indicates maturity in a broader sense – not just age but also emotional and intellectual maturity.
Thus, "erwachsen" specifically describes the state of having grown up into adulthood, while the similar words have nuanced applications depending on context.
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Examples
Sein Sohn ist jetzt erwachsen.adjective
His son is now an adult.
Die Kinder sind schnell erwachsen geworden.adjective
The children have grown up quickly.
Meine Tochter ist jetzt erwachsen.adjective
My daughter is now grown up.
Die erwachsenen Teilnehmer dürfen alleine die Ausstellung besichtigen.adjective
The adult participants are allowed to visit the exhibition alone.
Die Person wirkt sehr erwachsen.adjective
The person seems very grown-up.
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