Mama
/ˈmama/
The German word for mama is Mama.
Mama is an informal word used by both children and adults to address or refer to their mother.
Which one should you use?
While Mama is the affectionate, informal term used by children and adults, Mutter is the more formal and standard term for 'mother'. You may also encounter the affectionate forms Mami and Mutti, which are often used by children or between couples.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Mama is Mamas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmama/
Did you know?
- In German, calling someone Mutti can sometimes be used sarcastically to mock someone who is acting overly dependent or childish.
- Historically, the use of Mutti was extremely common in East Germany (the GDR), and it remains a very recognizable cultural marker of that era.
- German has a specific term Muttersprache for 'native language', which literally translates to 'mother language'.
Examples in context
- Wo ist meine Mama?Where's my mama?This sentence shows how to ask for the location of one's Mama.Tatoeba #2504663 by Zaghawa, translation #2254644 by CK
- Mama scheint mit Französisch angefangen zu haben.Mama seems to have started with French.This sentence uses Mama as a subject in a sentence about starting French.Tatoeba #3138268 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6404589 by tinowls
- Mama, Tom will mir mein Spielzeug nicht zurückgeben!Mama, Tom won't gimme back my toy!This sentence demonstrates how to address Mama directly to report a problem.Tatoeba #5598760 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4245860 by Tigrin
- Hallo, Mama!Hello, mama!
- Ich hab dich lieb, Mami!I love you, mommy!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are in the kitchen.
- SarahHat Mama schon angerufen?Has Mom called yet?
- JulianNein, sie kommt erst später.No, she is coming later.
- SarahIch muss Mama noch etwas sagen.I still need to tell Mom something.
- JulianDann schreib ihr eine Nachricht.Then write her a message.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Mama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
