Papa
/ˈpapa/
The German word Papa means papa or daddy.
Papa is an informal word used by both children and adults to address or refer to their father.
Which one should you use?
While Papa is an informal and affectionate term, the standard, more formal word for father is Vater. Additionally, Papi is an informal and affectionate alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Papa is an informal term, though it is commonly used in formal contexts. For a strictly formal way to say father, use Vater.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate possession, such as 'papa's car', add an -s to the end of the word: Papas Auto.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈpapa/
Did you know?
- In German, calling one's father Papa well into adulthood is socially acceptable and does not carry the same 'childish' connotation as saying 'Daddy' in English.
- The French word papa was adopted into German, which is why the spelling remains identical to the French version.
- The term Papa is part of a common linguistic pattern where 'p' sounds are used in 'baby talk' across many European languages to represent easy, repetitive consonant sounds.
Examples in context
- Wie alt ist Papa Schlumpf?How old is Papa Smurf?This sentence shows how to use Papa when referring to a character.Tatoeba #1367666 by Tlustulimu, translation #12022873 by mayabe
- Papa, ich mache keinen Spass! Ich bin schwanger.Papa, I'm not joking! I'm pregnant.This sentence shows how to address someone directly as Papa.Tatoeba #5030136 by brauchinet, translation #5030146 by Zurich899
- Nichts Papa sagen!Don't tell papa.This sentence shows how to use Papa as an object in a sentence.Tatoeba #8611251 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10912769 by CM
- Papi, können wir heute etwas gemeinsam unternehmen?Dad, can we do something together today?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are discussing their childhood memories at home.
- FelixPapa war früher sehr streng.Papa used to be very strict.
- SarahJa, das stimmt, Felix.Yes, that is true, Felix.
- FelixAber er war auch sehr lustig.But he was also very funny.
- SarahDas ist wahr, er war ein toller Papa.That is true, he was a great Papa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Papa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Papa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
