Mädchen
Meaning and Usage
"Mädchen" in German translates to "girl" in English. It is used to refer to a young female person, typically under the age of 18.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "Mädchen" is a singular noun and does not have any specific prefixes or suffixes. It is derived from the Middle High German word "maget" meaning "young woman" or "maiden."
Comparisons between German and English
The word "Mädchen" has no direct equivalent in English, as "girl" can be used to refer to both young and older females, while "Mädchen" specifically refers to a young girl.
Cultural Context
In German-speaking cultures, the word "Mädchen" is often used to emphasize the youth of a female person or to differentiate between girls and adult women in various contexts.
Example Sentences
- Das Mädchen spielt im Park. (The girl is playing in the park.)
- Sie ist ein kluges Mädchen. (She is a smart girl.)
Memory Tips
Associate "Mädchen" with the idea of a "maiden" in English, focusing on the notion of youth and young womanhood.
Additional Vocabulary
- Junge (boy)
- Frau (woman)
- Kind (child)
- Jugendliche (adolescent)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
The word "Mädchen" is neuter (das Mädchen) and its plural form is "die Mädchen."
Conjugation (for verbs)
As "Mädchen" is a noun, it does not have a verb conjugation.