onkel

Onkel is the standard German noun for "uncle." It designates a male relative who is the brother of one's father or mother, but it is also used more loosely for other older male family members or close male friends within a family context. In everyday speech it can function as a familiar form of address for an older man, similar to the use of "uncle" in English.

Etymology and cognates: The German word Onkel is borrowed from Old French oncle, which in turn derives from Latin avunculus. It is cognate with the English word uncle and with the French oncle. The term has been part of the German lexicon since the early modern period.

Usage: Onkel appears in written and spoken German across regions and social registers. It is typically used for a biological uncle when the relationship is clear, or with a name in more formal or explicit address (Onkel Hans). Diminutives and affectionate forms such as Onkelchen may occur in some dialects or within families, reflecting close familiarity.

See also: Tante, kinship terms, family relations.