Name
/ˈnaːmə/masculine
The English word 'name' is translated into German as Name.
Name is a noun used to refer to a word or phrase that indicates a particular person, place, class or thing.
Meaning: word or phrase indicating a particular person, place, class or thing (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, an informal way to say a name is Hoi, [First Name].
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Name is Namen. To indicate possession or belonging, use the genitive singular form Namens or if using a definite article, use des Namens.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnaːmə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because Name is a masculine noun, ensure you use it with masculine articles such as der or ein.
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a person's nickname in Germany, you would ask for their Spitzname, which literally translates to 'pointy name'.
- German has a specific word Namenszug which refers to the actual act of writing or signing one's name, rather than the name itself.
- When stating a name in a formal context, Germans often use the phrasing Mein Name ist… rather than Ich heiße… to sound more professional or distant.
Examples in context
- Wie ist Ihr Name?What is your name?The sentence is useful for asking someone's name using the form Name.Tatoeba #444710 by landano, translation #70623 by frpzzd
- Das ist ein Name.This is a name.The sentence is useful for identifying a name using the form Name.Tatoeba #9971602 by wolfgangth, translation #1547662 by miflhanc
- Tom ist mein Name.Tom is my name.The sentence is useful for stating one's own name using the form Name.Tatoeba #3761262 by Wuzzy, translation #2273310 by CK
- Sehr geehrter Herr SchmidtDear Mr. Schmidt
- Sehr geehrte Frau SchmidtDear Mrs. Schmidt
- 1299 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking about a new client.
- LukasKennst du den Namen des Kunden?Do you know the name of the client?
- SarahNein, der Name steht nicht in der Liste.No, the name is not on the list.
- LukasIch frage ihn später nach seinem Namen.I will ask him for his name later.
- SarahDas ist eine gute Idee, Lukas.That is a good idea, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “name” translations and entries Name, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
