noun
parents
A1
Means 'parents' (mother and father). Plural-only noun: no singular form in German. Use die Eltern for nominative; dative den Eltern; genitive der Eltern. Treat as plural in agreement (sie sind). Common when referring to someone's parents collectively; not used in singular.
Examples
Die Schule informierte die Eltern, weil neue Regeln beschlossen wurden.
The school informed the parents because new rules were decided.
Meine Eltern kommen morgen zu Besuch.
My parents are coming to visit tomorrow.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine two people standing under a sign 'Eltern' at the school gate
Sounds like 'ell-tern' — think 'elders' (parents) with a twist
Plural-only word: think of 'die Eltern' (plural definite article) — use 'die' to remember plural
Notes
This noun is only used in the plural in German (nur im Plural). There is no singular form meaning 'parent' — use 'Elternteil' or 'Mutter/Vater' for singular. | Plural-only noun; singular forms are not applicable.