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German Phrase

Ich bin das jüngste Kind.

/ɪç bɪn das ˈjʏŋstə kɪnt/
Meaning"I am the youngest child."
💡

Meaning

This phrase is used to describe one's position in the family hierarchy. It indicates that the speaker was the last child born to their parents and has older siblings.

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When to use

Use this sentence when introducing yourself or discussing your family background. It is a common response to questions about how many siblings you have or your birth order.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchbindasjüngsteKind

1

Sein (bin)

The verb 'sein' (to be) is irregular; 'bin' is the first-person singular present form.

2

Superlative (jüngste)

To form the superlative 'youngest' after 'das', you add '-ste' to the root adjective 'jung' and add an umlaut to the 'u'.

3

Gender Agreement

'Kind' is a neuter noun, which is why the article 'das' and the specific adjective ending '-e' are used here.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hast du Geschwister?

Do you have siblings?

Ja, zwei ältere Schwestern. Ich bin das jüngste Kind.

Yes, two older sisters. I am the youngest child.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich bin das jung Kind.

    Adjectives must use the superlative form '-ste' when preceded by a definite article to mean 'the youngest'.

  • Ich bin der jüngste Kind.

    The noun 'Kind' is neuter, so it requires the article 'das' instead of the masculine 'der'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich bin das Nesthäkchen.

    I am the baby of the family.

  • Ich habe nur ältere Geschwister.

    I only have older siblings.

de

Cultural Tip

In German culture, the youngest child is often affectionately called the 'Nesthäkchen'. This term implies being the one who stayed in the 'nest' longest or was the most protected by the parents and older siblings.