Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Vormund | /ˈfoːrˌmʊnt/ | masculine |
| Erziehungsberechtigter | masculine | |
| Erziehungsberechtigte | feminine |
In a legal context, the term refers to a person who is legally responsible for a minor. Vormund is a formal term for a legal guardian appointed for a minor or someone lacking capacity.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Vormund is composed of vor (before/in place of) and Mund (mouth), which historically implies someone who speaks for another.
Which one should you use?
Vormund refers specifically to a legal guardian appointed by a court or through a will. In contrast, Erziehungsberechtigte refers more broadly to those with parental rights or authority.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Vormund is a formal term. Erziehungsberechtigte is also a formal, administrative term often used in school or legal documents to refer to the person responsible for a child's upbringing. Erziehungsberechtigte is feminine, while Erziehungsberechtigter is masculine.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun Vormund becomes Vormundes in the genitive case to show possession. The plural form of Vormund is Vormünder.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfoːrˌmʊnt/
Did you know?
- While modern speakers often think Vormund comes from the word for 'mouth', it actually derives from the Old High German munt, meaning 'hand' or 'protection'.
- The German word Erziehungsberechtigte is a compound that literally translates to someone 'entitled to upbringing', focusing on the right to educate rather than just the duty to protect.
- The term Erziehung in Erziehungsberechtigter refers to the total process of raising and educating a child, blending the English concepts of 'upbringing' and 'education'.
Examples in context
- Ich brauche die Erlaubnis deiner Eltern oder deines Vormundes.I need permission from your parents or guardian.This sentence uses Vormund to show the need for permission from a guardian.Tatoeba #13064216 by Yorwba, translation #5826151 by OsoHombre
- Minderjährige müssen das Formular von einem Elternteil oder Vormund unterschreiben lassen.Minors must have a parent or guardian sign the form.This sentence uses Vormund regarding the requirement for a guardian to sign a form for minors.Tatoeba #13064219 by Yorwba, translation #10906158 by SomeHungryBois
- Ich bin Toms Vormund.I'm Tom's guardian.This sentence uses Vormund to state a personal relationship as a guardian.Tatoeba #3815914 by Tickler, translation #3815916 by CK
- Als mein Vormund sorgt er für meine rechtlichen Belange.As my guardian, he takes care of my legal affairs.
- Der Betreuer hat die Verantwortung für den Schutz und das Wohl des Mündels.The guardian has the responsibility for the protection and well-being of the ward.
- Mein Vater ist immer mein treuer Beschützer gewesen.My father has always been my loyal guardian/protector.
- Die älteren Geschwister sind die Wächter ihrer jüngeren Brüder und Schwestern.The older siblings are the guardians of their younger brothers and sisters.
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are discussing the legal requirements for a child's school trip.
- JulianWer ist der gesetzliche Vormund des Kindes?Who is the child's legal guardian?
- LauraLaura ist die Vormundin, aber Julian hat die Unterlagen.Laura is the guardian, but Julian has the documents.
- JulianMuss der Vormund das Formular unterschreiben?Does the guardian have to sign the form?
- LauraJa, der Vormund muss zustimmen.Yes, the guardian must agree.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guardian” translations and entries Vormund, Erziehungsberechtigter, Erziehungsberechtigte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Erziehungsberechtigte, Erziehungsberechtigter, Vormund, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
