German word

Ex

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛks/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)ex

Example

Mein Ex und ich sind Freunde geblieben.

My ex and I remained friends.

Illustration for Ex (ex)

More examples

Ich treffe meinen Ex manchmal zum Kaffee.

I sometimes meet my ex for coffee.

Core concept

A familiar label for the former partner who remains part of a person's relationship history.

Common phrases

  • mein Ex

    my ex

  • mit dem Ex sprechen

    talk to an ex

  • einen Ex haben

    have an ex

Similar words

Ex-Partner: A concise, gender-neutral term for a former romantic partner.
Ex-Freund: An informal, concise term for a former boyfriend.
Ex-Freundin: An informal, concise term for a former girlfriend.
Ehemaliger Partner: A relatively formal term for a former intimate partner.

Definition in German

Ex ist ein informelles Substantiv für eine frühere Partnerin oder einen früheren Partner in einer Liebesbeziehung.

Word origin

German borrowed Ex from English ex, a noun shortened from expressions such as ex-wife and ultimately linked to Latin ex- meaning 'former'.

Usage tips

  • Ex is an informal noun, so ehemaliger Partner or ehemalige Partnerin is more suitable in formal or precise writing.

Other meanings

  • ex-boyfriendnoun
  • ex-girlfriendnoun
  • ex-spousenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Ex-Freundex-boyfriendnoun
  • Ex-Freundinex-girlfriendnoun

Word lists with this word