Nesthäkchen (NEST-hayk-chyen) Literally “little one sitting in the nest” From nest (nest) + an older form connected with hocken (to sit or squat) + -chen (a small or affectionate form). A nesthäkchen is the youngest child in a family, often thought to receive a little extra attention. The word also became famous through Else Ury’s beloved German children’s book series, which began in 1913.
