German · Family & People
Onkel
Uncle
Beginnernoun
Definition
The brother of one's parent.
Example
Mein Onkel wohnt in München.
My uncle lives in Munich.
Etymology
'Onkel' comes from the French 'oncle', adopted into German likely during cultural exchanges in the Late Middle Ages, showcasing linguistic borrowing.
How & Where It’s Used
'Onkel' is used informally, primarily in spoken language, to refer to an uncle, and it is understood throughout German-speaking regions.