Schwiegermutter

mother-in-law

noun SHVEE-ger-moo-ter Rare

Usage Note

Schwiegermutter is one of the most culturally loaded family terms in German — she is the butt of many jokes (Schwiegermutterwitze). Formed from Schwieger- (in-law) + Mutter; all in-law relatives use this same prefix.

Examples

"Seine Schwiegermutter hat ein ausgezeichnetes Rezept für Weihnachtsplätzchen."

Natural Translation

His mother-in-law has an excellent recipe for Christmas biscuits.

Literal Translation

His mother-in-law has an excellent recipe for Christmas-cookies.

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