guten Morgen, Mutter
The English phrase "good morning mother" is translated into German as guten Morgen, Mutter.
This phrase is a polite greeting used to say hello to one's mother in the morning.
Which one should you use?
While guten Morgen, Mutter uses the standard word for mother, you may encounter Guten Morgen, Mama. The latter is the translation for "Good morning, Mom" and is much more common and affectionate in a typical family setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using Mutter can sound quite formal or even distant in a modern German household compared to the more common and affectionate Mama.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase guten Morgen, Mutter, the word guten ends in -en because Morgen is a masculine noun in the accusative case, which is the case used for greetings.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Mutter can also refer to a 'nut' used with a bolt in hardware, based on a metaphor for a female reproductive organ.
- While guten Morgen is standard, some regions of Germany use Moin as a universal greeting that can be used in the morning and throughout the rest of the day.
- In many German households, saying Mutter instead of Mama can signal a sudden shift in tone, often used when a child is being scolded or is showing deep disappointment.
Examples in context
- Guten Morgen, MutterGood morning, mother
- Einen schönen guten Morgen, liebe MutterA lovely good morning, dear mother
- Guten Morgen, MamaGood morning mother
- Moin, MuttiGood morning, Mom
Example conversation
Felix walks into the kitchen where his mother is.
- FelixGuten Morgen, Mutter!Good morning, mother!
- LauraGuten Morgen, Felix!Good morning, Felix!
- FelixWas gibt es zum Frühstück?What is for breakfast?
- LauraEs gibt Toast und Eier.There is toast and eggs.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Morgen, Mutter, morgen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
