Nachkommin

Nachkommin is a German noun meaning a female descendant or daughter in a family or lineage. It is the feminine form of Nachkomme; the general term for a descendant can be Nachkomme (masculine or gender-neutral) or Nachkommen for the plural. The word Nachkommin is typically used to specify gender in genealogical, biographical, or historical contexts.

Etymology and related terms: the word is formed from nach (“after”) and kommen (“to come”), conveying someone who comes after in a line of descent. Related terms include Nachfahre (a more general or sometimes male-linked descendant) and Abkömmling (a neutral term for offspring). The common plural Nachkommen is used when referring to descendants of mixed or unspecified gender.

Usage: Nachkommin appears mainly in genealogical writing, family records, or scholarly discussions about lineage where gender specification is relevant. In everyday language, speakers often use Nachkomme or more neutral phrases unless gender precision is required. Because gender forms are less common in modern everyday usage, some writers may prefer neutral alternatives to avoid emphasis on gender.

Examples: Die Nachkommin der Königin wurde bei der Feier besonders gewürdigt. Die Wissenschaftlerin suchte in den Aufzeichnungen nach der Nachkommin einer bekannten Malerfamilie.

Notes: While Nachkommin is correct, its usage is relatively specialized and may feel formal or archival. In many contexts, Nachkommen or Abkömmling serve as inclusive or more colloquial options.