fætre

Fætre is the Danish plural form of fætter and refers to male cousins—the sons of one’s aunts or uncles. It denotes first cousins in the male gender. The corresponding female cousin term is kusine, with plural kusiner. The singular for a male cousin is fætter, and the definite plural is fætrene.

Etymology and related terms: The word fætter originates from Old Danish and is cognate with the German Vetter. Danish, like many Germanic languages, uses distinct terms for male and female cousins, with fætre (male) and kusiner (female).

Usage: Fætre specifically designates male cousins. When referring to a mixed group of relatives, Danish typically says fætre og kusiner. The term does not indicate which side of the family the cousin is on; context often clarifies paternal or maternal links if needed.

Cultural context: In Danish kinship, cousins may have varying levels of closeness, but the term fætre is commonly used in everyday speech, family discussions, and genealogical references to male cousins.

Example: Mine fætre kommer på besøg i weekenden. In a mixed gathering: der var også kusiner og fætre.

See also: kusine; fætter; kinship terms.