Nachname
/ˈnaːxˌnaːmə/
The German phrase for "last name" is Nachname.
Nachname refers to the family name that a person shares with their parents and siblings.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of nach, meaning "after" and Name, meaning "name".
Which one should you use?
The opposite of Nachname is Vorname, which means "first name". Another common synonym for Nachname is Familienname, which means "family name".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnaːxˌnaːmə/
Did you know?
- Historically, some German families used a Hausname or house name as their Nachname. This meant the family name changed depending on which house they lived in, regardless of biological kinship.
- In Germany, it is common to address people by Herr or Frau followed by their Nachname in almost all professional settings. Using only the Vorname is often reserved for close friends and family, even after years of working together.
- In many official German forms, you will see the term Geburtsname instead of Nachname. This refers specifically to a person's 'birth name', which is crucial for women who have changed their surname through marriage.
Examples in context
- Wie ist Toms Nachname?What's Tom's last name?This sentence is useful for asking for someone's Nachname.Tatoeba #2804573 by freddy1, translation #1886678 by CK
- Was ist sein Nachname?What's his last name?Tatoeba #13592347 by Vortarulo, translation #10071287 by ddnktr
- Mein Nachname ist Wang.My last name is Wang.This sentence is useful for stating your own Nachname.Tatoeba #633645 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2230363 by eternica
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia is filling out a registration form for Julian.
- JuliaIch brauche noch deinen Nachnamen.I still need your last name.
- JulianMein Nachname ist Müller.My last name is Müller.
- JuliaSchreibt man den Nachnamen mit einem 'l' oder zwei?Is the last name written with one 'l' or two?
- JulianMit zwei 'l', bitte.With two 'l's, please.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Nachname, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
