der Onkel, –
uncle
Der Bruder des Vaters oder der Mutter oder der Ehemann der Tante.
Definition & meaning
The primary meaning of this word is a male relative who is the brother of one's mother or father. It also refers to the husband of one's aunt.
In a more informal or historical context, the word was sometimes used by children to address male adult friends of the family or acquaintances. While still understood, this specific usage has become less common in contemporary German society.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a masculine noun. In the nominative plural, the word does not change its ending: der Onkel (singular), die Onkel (plural).
The word was borrowed into German in the 18th century from the French word "oncle." This French term originates from the Latin "avunculus," which originally referred specifically to a mother's brother. Before the adoption of this French loanword, German used distinct terms for the maternal and paternal uncle, but these were eventually replaced by the single term used today.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms: Oheim (this is an archaic or literary term specifically for the mother's brother), Verwandter (the general term for a male relative).
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Examples
Mein Onkel besucht uns heute.noun
My uncle is visiting us today.
Der Onkel geht jeden Sonntag angeln.noun
The uncle goes fishing every Sunday.
Mein Onkel hat heute Geburtstag.noun
My uncle has a birthday today.
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