Odin
/ˈoːdɪn/
In German, the name for the god in Norse mythology is Odin. Wiktionary also lists Wotan and Wüeti.
Meaning: god in Norse mythology (name)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Odin | /ˈoːdɪn/ | |
| Wotan | /ˈvoːtaːn/ | |
| Wüeti | Alemannic |
Which one should you use?
While Odin is commonly used in modern German to refer to the Norse deity, Wotan is the traditional German name for the same god.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Alemannic dialects, the name used for the god is Wüeti.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈoːdɪn/
Did you know?
- The English word 'Wednesday' is derived from the Old English 'Wōden's day', making it a direct relative of the German Wotan.
- While many people use the Norse-style Odin today, using the name Wotan can sometimes carry heavy historical connotations in Germany due to its use in 19th and 20th-century nationalist poetry and propaganda.
- The Proto-Germanic root *Wōdanaz, which led to Wotan, is believed to be related to the word for 'fury' or 'inspiration'.
Examples in context
- Die Darstellung von Göttervater Odin im neuesten Avengers-Film war einfach phänomenal!The portrayal of Göttervater Odin in the latest Avengers movie was simply phenomenal!
- Odin ist ein mächtiger Gott.Odin is a powerful god.
- Erzähl mir etwas über Odin.Tell me something about Odin.
- In der Mythologie spielt Odin eine große Rolle.In mythology, Odin plays a large role.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a book about Norse mythology in a library.
- MaximilianLiest du gerade über Odin?Are you reading about Odin right now?
- LauraJa, das Buch über ihn ist spannend.Yes, the book about him is exciting.
- MaximilianIst Odin in diesem Buch sehr wichtig?Is Odin very important in this book?
- LauraAbsolut, er ist die zentrale Figur.Absolutely, he is the central figure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “odin” translations and entries Odin, Wotan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Odin, Wotan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
