Vater
/ˈfaːtər/masculine
The German word for "father" is Vater. Wiktionary also lists vadda and Vatter.
Meaning: male parent (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vater | /ˈfaːtər/ /ˈfaːtɐ/ |
masculine |
| vadda | ||
| Vatter | Alemannic German, masculine |
Vater is the standard noun used to refer to a male parent. It can also be used as a name to refer to God, the father of Creation. If you wish to use the verb meaning "to sire," the word is zeugen.
Which one should you use?
Vater is the standard term, whereas Papa is the common informal term used by children or within families. The form vadda is also a variation of the word.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Alemannic German-speaking regions, you may encounter the variation Vatter. In Switzerland, the word Papi is used to mean "dad" or "daddy."
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Vater is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfaːtər/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Er ist ihr Vater.He's her father.Tatoeba #8479918 by Luiaard, translation #8479961 by Luiaard
- Wo ist euer Vater?Where is your father?Tatoeba #817174 by jakov, translation #467672 by CK
- Wo ist mein Vater?Where's my father?Tatoeba #1959338 by Zaghawa, translation #2254638 by CK
- Ich spreche mit meinem Vater.I am speaking with my father.
- Mein Vater ist ein großartiger Mann.My father is a great man.
- Gute Nacht, Papa!Good night, Dad!
- Papa, kannst du mir helfen?Dad, can you help me?
- Ich liebe dich, Papa.I love you, Dad.
- Gehst du ins Kino, Vati?Are you going to the cinema, Dad?
- Ich vermisse dich, Vati.I miss you, Dad.
- 2289 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are talking at a cafe.
- MaximilianWie geht es deinem Vater?How is your father?
- HannahMeinem Vater geht es sehr gut.My father is doing very well.
- MaximilianDas freut mich für ihn.I am happy for him.
- HannahDanke, Maximilian.Thanks, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “father” translations and entries Vater, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Vater, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
