Junge

Alternative forms

• Jung (colloquial, regional)

Etymology

Fixed nominalisation of Middle High German jung (“young”), from Old High German jung (“young”).

Already occasionally in Middle High German [Term?], later gaining a fixed noun form based on its weak nominative inflection (giving ein Junge instead of ein Junger). The recognition as the normal standard term for “boy” is based on Central and Low German usage and has only fully asserted itself during the 20th century (compare Knabe). The now quite common plural form Jungs (Jungens) is also from German Low German [Term?]. Cognate with English young (noun).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈjʊŋə/

• Audio:

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ʊŋə
• Hyphenation: Jun‧ge

Noun

Junge m (weak, genitive Jungen, plural Jungen or Jungs or Jungens, diminutive Jünglein n or Jüngelchen n or Jüngchen n or (rare, often poetic) Jüngelein n)

1. boy
2. (card games) jack

Noun

Junge n

1. inflection of Junges:
   1. strong nominative/accusative plural
   2. weak nominative/accusative singular

Further reading

• “Junge” in Duden online
• “Junge” in Digitales Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache

Alternative forms

• Jung
• junge (uncommon)

Etymology

From jung (“young”), comparable to Dutch jongen.

Noun

Junge m

1. boy

3=South- or Southeastwestphalian