Patentante
/ˈpaːtn̩ˌtantə/feminine
The English word godmother is translated into German as Patentante. If unsure, use Patentante. Wiktionary also lists Patin and Taufpatin.
Meaning: woman present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Patentante | /ˈpaːtn̩ˌtantə/ | feminine |
| Patin | feminine | |
| Taufpatin | feminine | |
| Gotte | Alemannic, Swiss, feminine | |
| Firmgodl | Austrian, feminine | |
| Firmpatin | feminine | |
| Godel | South German, feminine | |
| Godl | Austrian, Bavarian, feminine | |
| Taufgodl | Austrian, feminine | |
| Gevatterin | feminine |
A godmother is a woman present at a baby's christening who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Taufpatin is a compound word consisting of Taufe, meaning baptism and Patin, meaning godmother.
Which one should you use?
While Patin is the general term for godmother, Taufpatin specifically emphasizes the role during the baptism ceremony.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Patentante is a more formal and descriptive term compared to the shorter Patin.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Swiss German dialects, Gotte is the common term for godmother. In Austrian and Bavarian regions, you may encounter Godl, Taufgodl or Firmgodl. The form Godel is used in South Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
Patin is a feminine noun and follows standard feminine declension patterns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpaːtn̩ˌtantə/
Did you know?
- In some Southern German regions, the term Gevatterin is used, which stems from an older tradition of 'Gevatenschaft', a spiritual kinship between families.
- The word Patin is the feminine counterpart to Pate, which is also the German word for a 'patron' of the arts or a protector.
- In historical German legal contexts, the Patin was often viewed as a legal guardian of the child's soul and moral upbringing rather than just a ceremonial guest.
Examples in context
- Sie ist meine Patin.She's my godmother.This sentence is useful for stating a personal relationship with a Patin.Tatoeba #1323286 by samueldora, translation #981804 by CK
- Wer ist Ihre Taufpatin?Who is your godmother?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's Taufpatin.Tatoeba #2806819 by Manfredo, translation #2807343 by patgfisher
- Wer ist deine Patentante?Who's your godmother?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's Patentante.Tatoeba #8064812 by driini, translation #8023873 by CK
- Ich möchte meiner Taufpatin herzlich danken.I would like to sincerely thank my godmother.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are looking at old family photos.
- SarahDas ist meine Patentante auf dem Foto.That is my godmother in the photo.
- JulianSie sieht sehr freundlich aus.She looks very friendly.
- SarahJa, meine Patentante besucht mich oft.Yes, my godmother visits me often.
- JulianDas ist wirklich schön.That is really nice.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “godmother” translations and entries Patentante, Patin, Gotte, Gevatterin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
