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What is a girlfriend in German slang?

Published in German Terms of Endearment 2 mins read

While there isn't one universal German slang term for "girlfriend" in the same way some English terms exist, the most common and standard way to refer to "my girlfriend" is Meine Freundin. Beyond this standard term, various affectionate pet names and informal expressions are frequently used to show endearment.

Standard Term for Girlfriend

The direct and most widely accepted translation for "my girlfriend" in German is Meine Freundin. This term is grammatically feminine, reflecting the gender of the person.

  • Meine Freundin: My girlfriend

    • Example: "Ich gehe mit meiner Freundin ins Kino." (I'm going to the cinema with my girlfriend.)

Affectionate Pet Names and Informal Expressions

Beyond the standard term, Germans often use a variety of terms of endearment for their girlfriends, which serve a similar informal purpose as slang. These terms are deeply affectionate and common in close relationships.

Here are some common terms of endearment for a girlfriend or wife in German:

English German IPA
Fairy Fee [feː]
Spell-fairy Zauberfee [ˈt͡saʊ̯bɐfeː]
My woman (/wife) Meine Frau [ˈmaɪ̯nə fʁaʊ̯]
My girlfriend Meine Freundin [ˈmaɪ̯nə ˈfʁɔɪ̯ndɪn]
  • Fee (Fairy) and Zauberfee (Spell-fairy) are highly affectionate and playful nicknames, conveying a sense of magic or enchantment about the person.
  • Meine Frau (My woman / My wife) can be used informally among partners, even if they are not married, to refer to "my woman" in an endearing or possessive, but loving, way. While literally translating to "my wife," its informal usage can extend to a long-term girlfriend, indicating a deep level of commitment and intimacy.

It's important to note that while these terms are informal and affectionate, they might not strictly fit every definition of "slang," which often implies more colloquial or perhaps even slightly edgy terms specific to certain groups or trends. However, they are widely used informal alternatives to the standard "Meine Freundin."

For more general information on the German language, you can explore resources like the Duden dictionary.