ein Baby erwarten

You use the verb erwarten just like the English word "expect." The grammar is very simple for you to master. You can say Ich erwarte ein Baby if you are the one pregnant. If you are talking about a couple, use Sie erwarten ein Baby. In German, the verb usually comes second in a standard sentence. If you are using a helping verb, erwarten moves to the very end. For example: Wir werden bald ein Baby erwarten. It is a flexible phrase that fits into most sentence structures easily.

This phrase is your best friend in almost any social situation. Use it at work when telling your boss the big news. It sounds professional and dignified. Use it at a family dinner to make your parents cry happy tears. It is also perfect for writing in a card or a formal announcement. If you are texting a group chat, adding a few emojis makes it feel modern. It is safe, kind, and universally understood across all German-speaking regions.

Never use this phrase if you are only 90% sure someone is pregnant. That is a social disaster in any language! Germans value privacy, so wait for them to say it first. Also, avoid this phrase in a strictly medical context where schwanger is more precise. If you are joking around with very close friends, this might feel a bit too "polite." There are much more colorful (and slightly rude) slang terms for being pregnant. Don't use it if you are talking about a pet; for animals, Germans use different words entirely.

In Germany, there is a tradition of being somewhat reserved about early pregnancy. Many people wait until the 12th week to use this phrase publicly. This stems from a mix of caution and a cultural preference for privacy. Unlike some cultures that have massive "gender reveal" parties, Germans often keep things low-key. ein Baby erwarten reflects this understated joy. It is a phrase that has been used for generations without losing its charm. It feels timeless and respectful of the family unit.

You will often hear Nachwuchs bekommen, which means "to get offspring." It sounds a bit more formal but is very common in office settings. If someone wants to be very old-fashioned, they might say in freudiger Erwartung sein. This means "to be in joyful expectation." It sounds like something from a classic movie! On the flip side, you might hear the slang einen Braten in der Röhre haben. This literally means "to have a roast in the oven." Use that one very carefully, as it is quite cheeky!