Mama
/ˈmama/
The German word for "mom" is Mama.
Mama is an informal term used to refer to one's mother. While it is the equivalent of "mom" in English, it can be used slightly more formally than its English counterpart.
Which one should you use?
While Mama is the standard informal term, Mutter is the formal term for "mother". For a more affectionate or diminutive tone, you might use Mami or Mutti, which are similar to "mommy" in English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mama is an informal term. In contrast, Mutter is used in formal contexts. The term Mutti is a diminutive that is more childish or highly affectionate, similar to "mommy".
Is it said differently in some regions?
Muddi is a term found in parts of northern Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Mama is Mamas. When using the genitive case to show possession, Mama often takes an s to become Mamas, such as in Mamas Auto (Mom's car).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmama/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Mutter is also the exact same word used for a 'nut' that screws onto a bolt.
- The diminutive Mami is very common in Switzerland, whereas in Germany, it is often reserved strictly for very young children.
- In many parts of East Germany, the term Mutti was common, but it carries a heavy cultural association with the way people addressed their mothers during the GDR era.
Examples in context
- Wo ist meine Mama?Where's my mom?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of one's Mama.Tatoeba #2504663 by Zaghawa, translation #2254645 by CK
- Deine Mama ist da.Your mom is here.This sentence is useful for stating that someone's Mama is present.Tatoeba #3434535 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3434400 by CK
- Deine Mama ist cool.Your mom is cool.This sentence is useful for describing someone's Mama.Tatoeba #8742758 by Melang, translation #3431205 by CK
- Ich liebe dich, Mutter.I love you, Mother.
- Mama, ich habe dich vermisst!Mom, I missed you!
- Kannst du das für mich tun, Mami?Can you do this for me, Mommy?
- Was gibst du mir zu essen, Mutti?What are you giving me to eat, Mom?
- Ich gehe mit Muddi spazieren.I'm going for a walk with Mom.
- 207 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are talking about their families.
- HannahLiebt deine Mama dich?Does your Mama love you?
- LukasJa, meine Mama ist sehr lieb.Yes, my Mama is very sweet.
- HannahDas freut mich für dich.I am happy for you.
- LukasDanke, Hannah.Thanks, Hannah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Mama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
