German word

Städtchen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtɛtçən/

Meaning

  • neuter nounsmall town

Example

Das Städtchen liegt am Fluss.

The small town lies by the river.

Illustration for Städtchen (small town)

More examples

Viele Touristen besuchen regelmäßig das verschlafene Städtchen.

Many tourists regularly visit the sleepy small town.

Core concept

A small riverside town that feels close-knit, unhurried, and slightly quaint.

Common phrases

  • verschlafenes Städtchen

    sleepy small town

  • ins Städtchen

    into the small town

Similar words

Kleinstadt: A small town with limited facilities and services.
Dorf: A small settlement near farmland or natural surroundings.
Dörfchen: A very small village described in a warm, familiar way.
Ortschaft: A locality identified on maps or in administrative records.

Definition in German

Eine kleine Stadt mit meist gemütlichem oder dörflichem Charakter; im allgemeinen Sprachgebrauch oft verniedlichend verwendet.

Word origin

The noun Städtchen is derived from Stadt by adding -chen, a German diminutive suffix that also causes the umlaut in the stem.

Usage tips

  • Städtchen often adds an affectionate or gently subjective tone, whereas kleine Stadt is more neutral in general descriptions.

Opposites

Related words

  • Kleinstadtsmall townnoun
  • Stadtlebenlife in the citynoun

Word lists with this word