Tante
/ˈtantə/feminine
The German word for aunt is Tante.
Tante is a feminine noun used to refer to a parent's sister or sister-in-law.
Meaning: a parent's sister or sister-in-law (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Tante is Tanten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtantə/
When do people say it?
Informally, Germans often address their aunts by combining the word with their first name, such as Tante Heidi.
Did you know?
- In some German regions, Tante can be used as a colloquial term for a woman who is perceived as bossy or fussy, regardless of whether she is a relative.
- The word Tante was borrowed into German from the French word tante.
- In older German literature and theater, the Tante often appeared as a trope: the wealthy, unmarried spinster who provides a catalyst for the plot's romance.
Examples in context
- Ich bin Toms Tante.I'm Tom's aunt.This sentence shows how to use Tante to express a relationship.Tatoeba #5853311 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5853304 by CK
- Wer ist deine Tante?Who's your aunt?This sentence is useful for asking a question about someone's Tante.Tatoeba #6050304 by wolfgangth, translation #6049457 by mailohilohi
- Das ist meine Tante.This is my aunt.This sentence shows how to introduce someone as your Tante.Tatoeba #10701619 by mks, translation #10701242 by AlanF_US
- Komm her, Tantelein!Come here, dear Aunt!
- Guten Morgen, Tantchen! Hast du Zeit für einen Kaffee?Good morning, Auntie! Do you have time for a coffee?
- 157 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are looking at a family photo.
- JuliaSiehst du meine Tante auf dem Foto?Do you see my aunt in the photo?
- JulianJa, welche Tante ist das?Yes, which aunt is that?
- JuliaDas ist meine Tante Sarah.That is my aunt Sarah.
- JulianSie sieht sehr nett aus.She looks very nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aunt” translations and entries Tante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
