meine Mutter
The German phrase for "my mother" is meine Mutter.
The phrase meine Mutter is used to refer to the female parent of the speaker.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Meine Mutti is used mainly in central and southern Germany.
How does it change in a sentence?
In a sentence, meine Mutter is used when the phrase is the subject or the direct object (nominative or accusative case). If the phrase is the indirect object, such as after the preposition mit (with), it changes to meiner Mutter (dative case).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because Mutter is feminine, the possessive must reflect that gender. Avoid using meines Mutter, which is an incorrect form often used by English speakers who try to use the masculine or neuter possessive.
Did you know?
- The word Mutter also means 'nut' as in a bolt and nut. This technical use developed as a sexual metaphor because of the shape of the hardware.
- In traditional German culture, the 'Muttertag' or Mother's Day is often celebrated with the gift of a 'Muttertag-Strauß', a specific style of flower bouquet.
- While meine Mutter is standard, some speakers use meine Mama to convey a more childlike or intimate affection, regardless of the speaker's age.
Examples in context
- Meine Mutter ist da.My mother is here.The sentence is useful for stating that meine Mutter is present.Tatoeba #13197078 by Yorwba, translation #13208600 by EugeneGS
- Das ist meine Mutter.This is my mother.The sentence is useful for introducing meine Mutter.Tatoeba #703769 by Esperantostern, translation #413771 by Scott
- Du bist meine Mutter.You are my mother.The sentence is useful for identifying that someone is meine Mutter.Tatoeba #1126610 by Esperantostern, translation #1097988 by cntrational
- Ich liebe meine Mutter.I love my mother.
- Meine Mutter ist eine starke Frau.My mother is a strong woman.
- Meine Mama kocht das beste Essen aller Zeiten!My mom cooks the best food ever!
- Ist meine Mutti zu Hause?Is my mom home?
- Meine Mutti ist immer für mich da.My mommy is always there for me.
- Meine Mami hat mir das Fahrradfahren beigebracht.My mommy taught me how to ride a bike.
- Wo ist meine Mami? Ich vermisse sie.Where is my mommy? I miss her.
- 563 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are talking about their families.
- SarahMeine Mutter arbeitet in Berlin.My mother works in Berlin.
- FelixIst sie sehr streng?Is she very strict?
- SarahNein, meine Mutter ist sehr nett.No, my mother is very kind.
- FelixDas freut mich für dich.I am happy for you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Mutter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
