Nikolaus
/ˈnɪkoˌlaʊ̯s/
The English name Nicholas is translated into German as Nikolaus. Wiktionary also lists Klaus.
Meaning: male given name (name)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| Nikolaus | /ˈnɪkoˌlaʊ̯s/ /ˈniːkoˌlaʊ̯s/ (regional, uncommon) |
| Klaus | /klaʊ̯s/ |
Nikolaus is the standard German male given name for Nicholas.
Which one should you use?
Nikolaus is the full standard form, while Klaus serves as a common short form or diminutive.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria and Austria, the nickname Klausi is often used.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnɪkoˌlaʊ̯s/
When do people say it?
The name is strongly associated with the figure of Heiliger Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas), who is celebrated in German-speaking cultures.
Did you know?
- In German culture, the celebration of Nikolaus involves children placing their polished boots outside the door on the evening of December 5th.
- The name Nikolaus is often paired with Knecht Ruprecht, a darker companion figure who punishes naughty children.
- The short form Klaus is a linguistic doublet, meaning it has two separate origins. While it is a clipping of Nikolaus, it also comes from the Yiddish word kloyz.
Examples in context
- Nikolaus II. war der letzte russische Zar.Nicholas II was the last Tsar of Russia.This sentence uses Nikolaus to refer to a historical figure.Tatoeba #11145509 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11145439 by mutskt
- Hallo! Mein Name ist Nikolaus Wenn-Jesus-Christus-Nicht-für-dich-gestorben-wäre-du-auf-ewig verdammt-sein-würdest Barbon.Hello! My name is Nicholas Unless-Jesus-Christ-Had-Died-For-Thee-Thou-Hadst-Been-Damned Barbon.This sentence uses Nikolaus as part of a long, illustrative name.Tatoeba #2043291 by Manfredo, translation #1200878 by cntrational
- Die Tür öffnete sich langsam, und der Heilige Nikolaus stand in voller Montur vor ihnen.The door slowly opened, and St. Nicholas, in full array, stood before them.This sentence uses Nikolaus to refer to the saint.Tatoeba #9078198 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5680748 by Hybrid
- Das ist Herr Nikolaus Müller.This is Mr. Nicholas Müller.
- Hast du Nick schon getroffen?Have you met Nick already?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are looking at an old guest list.
- LukasIst Nikolaus auch zu der Party eingeladen?Is Nikolaus also invited to the party?
- HannahJa, er kommt heute Abend.Yes, he is coming tonight.
- LukasHat Nikolaus schon seine Zusage geschickt?Has Nikolaus already sent his acceptance?
- HannahNein, ich warte noch auf ihn.No, I am still waiting for him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nicholas” translations and entries Nikolaus, Klaus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Klaus, Nikolaus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
