In German
Schwester
Meaning: sister
Formal or informal? “Schwester” is the standard word for a sister. The same word also means a nun, or a nurse in older usage.
Example sentences
MeineSchwesteristzwölfJahrealt.
My sister is twelve years old.
IchhabezweiSchwestern.
I have two sisters.
MeineSchwesterstudiertMedizin.
My sister is studying medicine.
Grammar note
“Die Schwester” is feminine, with plural “Schwestern”. Compounds such as “Krankenschwester” (nurse) use the same word.
Common mistake
“Schwester” alone can mean a nun or a nurse, depending on context. For a sibling, make it clear: “meine Schwester”.
Quick check
Which word means “sister”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's the plural of Schwester?
“Schwestern”.
What's the German for “sister-in-law”?
“Schwägerin”.