German · People & Family
"Uncle" in German: Onkel
der Onkel
Uncle in German is der Onkel, a masculine noun. The plural is die Onkel (or Onkels). Say mein Onkel for my uncle.
Family party
Mein Onkel bringt den Kuchen.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Onkel
Say it
ONG-kel
/ˈɔŋkl̩/
ONG-kel. Short o, ng as in "song", soft -el.
"Uncle" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Onkel | uncle Default. | Default. |
| die Onkel / Onkels | uncles Both plurals appear. | Both plurals appear. |
| Onkel mütterlicherseits | maternal uncle Family detail. | Family detail. |
| der Großonkel | great-uncle Older generation. | Older generation. |
How to use Onkel in real life
- 1Family party
Mein Onkel bringt den Kuchen.
My uncle is bringing the cake.
Mein Onkel nominative.
- 2Introductions
Das ist Onkel Paul aus Hamburg.
This is Uncle Paul from Hamburg.
Onkel + name without article often.
- 3Phone call
Ruf deinen Onkel bitte kurz an.
Please call your uncle quickly.
Deinen Onkel accusative.
Mistakes English speakers make with Onkel
Incorrect: die Onkel (singular)
Correct: der Onkel
Singular is der Onkel.
Incorrect: Uncle Klaus
Correct: Onkel Klaus
Use Onkel, not Uncle.
Good to know
Kids sometimes call close family friends Onkel even without blood relation. Official forms prefer precise Elternteil language instead.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Airport pickup
ChatPal
Holt dich dein Onkel ab?
Is your uncle picking you up?
You
Ja, mein Onkel wartet am Ausgang.
Yes, my uncle is waiting at the exit.
ChatPal
Welcher Onkel—der aus Köln?
Which uncle—the one from Cologne?
You
Genau, Onkel Mark. Er winkt schon.
Exactly, Uncle Mark. He's already waving.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Uncle" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Uncle" in German
What gender is Onkel?
Masculine: der Onkel.
What is the plural?
Die Onkel or die Onkels.
How do you say my uncle?
Mein Onkel.
How do you say aunt?
Die Tante.
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- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
