German · People & Family
"Brother-in-law" in German: Schwager
der Schwager
Brother-in-law in German is der Schwager, masculine. Plural is die Schwäger with an umlaut. It covers your sibling’s husband or your spouse’s brother.
Family BBQ
Mein Schwager grillt die Würstchen.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Schwager
Say it
SHVAH-ger
/ˈʃvaːɡɐ/
SHVAH-ger. Soft sch. Soft final -er.
"Brother-in-law" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Schwager | brother-in-law Default. | Default. |
| mein Schwager | my brother-in-law Possessive. | Possessive. |
| die Schwäger | brothers-in-law Plural with ä. | Plural with ä. |
| Schwägerin | sister-in-law Related word. | Related word. |
How to use Schwager in real life
- 1Family BBQ
Mein Schwager grillt die Würstchen.
My brother-in-law is grilling the sausages.
Mein Schwager.
- 2Introducing
Das ist mein Schwager Tim.
This is my brother-in-law Tim.
Mein Schwager + name.
- 3Plans
Die Schwäger kommen alle mit.
The brothers-in-law are all coming along.
Schwäger plural.
Mistakes English speakers make with Schwager
Incorrect: die Schwager (singular)
Correct: der Schwager
Singular masculine: der Schwager.
Incorrect: Schwageren
Correct: Schwäger
Plural is Schwäger with umlaut.
Good to know
Schwager is short and common at family gatherings. People often switch to first names quickly once everyone is comfortable.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Wedding dinner seating
ChatPal
Sitzt dein Schwager neben dir?
Is your brother-in-law sitting next to you?
You
Ja, mein Schwager kennt alle Witze.
Yes, my brother-in-law knows all the jokes.
ChatPal
Nett. Mag dein Schwager Wein?
Nice. Does your brother-in-law like wine?
You
Klar. Mein Schwager bringt auch Flaschen mit.
Sure. My brother-in-law is bringing bottles too.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Brother-in-law" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Brother-in-law" in German
What gender is Schwager?
Masculine: der Schwager.
Plural?
Die Schwäger.
Sister-in-law?
Die Schwägerin.
Who counts as Schwager?
Sibling’s husband or spouse’s brother.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
