Matthias
/maˈtiːas/
Matthias is a German male given name. Wiktionary also lists Mathias.
Meaning: male given name (name)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| Matthias | /maˈtiːas/ (Germany) /ˈmatːias/ (Switzerland) |
| Mathias |
In casual settings, people often use the affectionate nicknames Matze or the popular informal variation Matti.
Which one should you use?
Matthias and Mathias are both valid spellings of the name.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈtiːas/
Did you know?
- While the name is common, the variation Matthäus is often preferred in religious contexts or for biblical figures. This distinction between the secular 'Matthias' and the sacred 'Matthäus' can sometimes influence which spelling a person chooses for a child.
- The name Matthias shares a linguistic root with the English name 'Matthew'. Although they sound quite different, they both stem from the same Hebrew origin meaning 'gift of God'.
- The diminutive Matz is considered a rustic or old-fashioned nickname specifically associated with southern German regions.
Examples in context
- Am Renaissancehof des ungarischen Königs Matthias Corvinus spielte die lateinische Sprache die Hauptrolle.In the Renaissance court of the Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus, Latin played the primary role.This sentence illustrates the use of Matthias when referring to the historical figure Matthias Corvinus.Tatoeba #1620778 by al_ex_an_der, translation #13754220 by rul
- Matze, gehen wir heute Abend ins Kino?Matze, shall we go to the cinema tonight?
- Das ist mein Freund Matthias.This is my friend Matthias.
- Matthias kommt heute zu Besuch.Matthias is coming to visit today.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking about a mutual friend at a cafe.
- LauraHast du Matthias schon gesehen?Have you seen Matthias yet?
- FelixNein, ich habe Matthias noch nicht getroffen.No, I haven't met Matthias yet.
- LauraEr wartet bestimmt auf dich.He is probably waiting for you.
- FelixDann muss ich jetzt los.Then I have to go now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “matthias” translations and entries Matthias, Mathias, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Matthias, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
