Zweitname
masculine
In German, "middle name" is expressed as Zweitname. Wiktionary also lists zweiter Vorname and Zwischenname.
Meaning: name between given name and surname (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Zweitname | masculine |
| zweiter Vorname | masculine |
| Zwischenname | masculine |
| Mittelname | masculine |
The term refers to a name positioned between a person's given name and their surname.
Which one should you use?
The most common way to refer to a middle name is zweiter Vorname, which literally means "second first name".
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are masculine nouns.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using Mittelname. Although it is a direct translation of the English "middle name", it is rarely used by native German speakers and can sound unnatural.
Did you know?
- German law generally prohibits naming a child with a zweiter Vorname that is clearly a surname, unless it is already a part of the family name.
- In some very formal or old-fashioned contexts, a second name might be called a Rufname, though this usually refers to the name one actually uses to be called.
- In Germany, having a zweiter Vorname is often a way to honor ancestors or maintain family traditions without replacing the primary first name.
Examples in context
- Was ist dein zweiter Vorname?What's your middle name?This sentence shows how to ask for someone's middle name using zweiter Vorname.Tatoeba #3750871 by Zaghawa, translation #2072327 by CK
- Gefahr ist mein zweiter Vorname.Danger is my middle name.This is an example of the idiomatic expression using zweiter Vorname.Tatoeba #1390208 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1389722 by CM
- „Kannst du gut übersetzen?“ – „Ob ich das gut kann? ‚Übersetzung‘ ist mein zweiter Vorname!“"Are you any good at translating?" "Good at it? Translation is my middle name!"This demonstrates a figurative use of the phrase with zweiter Vorname.Tatoeba #7832486 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5923935 by mailohilohi
- Können Sie bitte Ihren zweiten Vornamen angeben?Could you please provide your middle name?
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are looking at a passport.
- SarahHast du eigentlich einen Zweitnamen?Do you actually have a middle name?
- LukasJa, mein Zweitname ist Thomas.Yes, my middle name is Thomas.
- SarahDas ist ein schöner Zweitname.That is a beautiful middle name.
- LukasDanke, Sarah.Thanks, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “middle name” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
