prindër

Prindër is the Albanian plural noun meaning "parents," referring to the mother and father as a unit. It is used to denote both parents together, in contrast to individual references such as "prindi" (a parent) or "nënat dhe baballarët" (the mothers and fathers). The indefinite plural form is prindër, while the definite plural form is prindërit, used when speaking about “the parents.”

Linguistic notes: prindër is a native Albanian term and functions as a standard noun in everyday language, education, media, and literature. It commonly appears in phrases describing family life, upbringing, or parental responsibilities. The definite form prindërit is used with a definite article suffix in Albanian grammar, as in prindërit janë të rëndësishëm për rritjen e fëmijëve (“the parents are important for raising children”).

Cultural role: In Albanian society, the family is a central social unit, and prindër often occupy a key role in upbringing, moral guidance, and the transmission of cultural values. Respect for parents is widely encouraged, and intergenerational bonds have traditionally been strong, though modern life has brought changes such as urbanization, migration, and shifts in household structures. The term prindër is used across dialects and registers to discuss parenting, family policy, and social norms related to child-rearing.

See also: family, parent (singular reference prindi/prindi), mother, father, child, upbringing.