Matthäus
/maˈtɛːʊs/masculine
The English name Matthew is translated into German as Matthäus. Wiktionary also lists Matthias.
Meaning: male given name (name)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Matthäus | /maˈtɛːʊs/ | masculine |
| Matthias | /maˈtiːas/ (Germany) /ˈmatːias/ (Switzerland) |
masculine |
The German equivalents are masculine given names used to translate the English name Matthew.
Which one should you use?
While Matthäus is the translation for Matthew, Matthias is the more frequent version used as a contemporary first name in Germany compared to the more archaic Matthäus.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈtɛːʊs/
Did you know?
- In German-speaking regions, the name Matthias is associated with the Apostle Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, whereas Matthäus refers to the Evangelist and tax collector.
- In Germany, the name Matthias is often shortened to the nickname Matze. This is a common colloquialism that replaces the English 'Matt'.
- The Greek origin of the name, Ματθαῖος, actually traces back to the Aramaic word 'mattay', which means 'gift of God'.
Examples in context
- Es ging Matthias gut.Matthew was doing OK.This sentence is useful for describing Matthew's well-being using Matthias.Tatoeba #13567011 by Waldelfe, translation #11590430 by Amastan
- Matthias lief zur Tür.Matthew ran to the door.This sentence is useful for describing an action taken by Matthew using Matthias.Tatoeba #11831043 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11579085 by Amastan
- Matthias hat eine Schere.Matthew has got scissors.This sentence is useful for describing an object possessed by Matthew using Matthias.Tatoeba #12561432 by Waldelfe, translation #11587111 by Amastan
- Guten Morgen, Herr Matthäus, wie geht es Ihnen?Good morning, Mr. Matthew, how are you?
- Hey Matze, Lust auf ein Bier?Hey Matze, feel like having a beer?
- Matt, hast du schon den neuen Film gesehen?Matt, have you seen the new movie yet?
- Matthäus ist eine häufige deutsche Übersetzung des Namens Matthew.Matthäus is a common German translation of the name Matthew.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are talking about a mutual friend in a cafe.
- JulianIst Matthäus heute auch gekommen?Did Matthäus also come today?
- SarahNein, er ist leider krank.No, unfortunately he is sick.
- JulianOh, das tut mir leid für ihn.Oh, I am sorry to hear that for him.
- SarahJa, er braucht jetzt viel Ruhe.Yes, he needs a lot of rest now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “matthew” translations and entries Matthäus, Matthias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Matthias, Matthäus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
