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A close male friend, often used in informal contexts to refer to a buddy or pal.
Wir haben uns mit ein paar Kumpeln zum Grillen getroffen.
We met up with a few buddies for a barbecue.
The term is gender-neutral in modern usage but historically referred to male friends.
'Kumpel' is now widely used for both male and female friends, though it originally referred to male friends.
Use 'Kumpel' in casual, friendly conversations. Avoid it in formal or professional settings.
Derived from the Middle High German 'kumbe' (companion) and the suffix '-el' (diminutive), originally referring to a male friend or comrade.
While traditionally used for male friends, 'Kumpel' is now commonly used for both genders in informal contexts. In some regions, it may carry a slightly rough or working-class connotation.