"lein" ending
So i dont fully understand when words add "lein" to the end. How does it change the word. Ive seen examples in multiple songs such as; Blumelein, Bienelein and Schwesterlein. I know those are flowers bees and sister, but i dont know how the meaning changes with the bit at the end.
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 3
2
In spoken german it is not very common to use the ending -lein. Often you can find it in older books or in poems.
-chen is more common (Blümchen, Bienchen,...).
Both endings belittle nouns.
But in general we do not use both of them very often.
2
This ending makes the word sound a bit softer or smaller, like a pet name. In German two endings have such function: -lein and -chen (both can be used, but the last one is more common).
Sometimes there is also slight difference in usage:
Fräulein - not married woman
Frauchen - pet name for a woman
1
"-chen" and "-lein" have the same function: they are diminutive endings. -chen is more common, and originally "-chen" is Northern German and "-lein" is Southern German.
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
