Partner
[ˈpaʁtnɐ]masculine
The German word for partner is Partner. Wiktionary also lists Partnerin and Lebensgefährte.
Meaning: spouse, domestic, or romantic partner (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | [ˈpaʁtnɐ] (narrow) | masculine |
| Partnerin | /ˈpaʁtnəʁɪn/ | feminine |
| Lebensgefährte | /ˈleːbn̩sɡəˌfɛːɐ̯tə/ /-ɡəˌfeːɐ̯tə/ |
masculine |
The term Partner is commonly used to describe a romantic or domestic partner without specifying a marital status. Other related terms include Geschäftspartner for a business partner, Arbeitspartner for a work-related collaborator and Lebenspartner to refer to a life partner or long-term companion in formal discussions.
Which one should you use?
Use the masculine form Partner when referring to a male partner or when using it as a generic term. Lebensgefährte is a more formal or traditional way to refer to a long-term domestic partner compared to the more modern Partner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is Partner and the feminine form is Partnerin.
Did you know?
- The word Lebensgefährte contains the root Gefährte, which shares an origin with the word for 'danger', Gefahr. It suggests that a life partner is someone who braves the dangers of the world by your side.
- While Partner is often used for business, using it for a spouse in a formal setting can sometimes sound overly clinical or impersonal.
- The word Gefährte in Lebensgefährte is built from the verb fahren, which means 'to travel' or 'to go'.
Examples in context
- Ich bin Ihr Partner.I'm your partner.This sentence is useful for introducing yourself as a partner using Partner.Tatoeba #1892440 by Tamy, translation #1891164 by CK
- Ich bin Toms Partner.I'm Tom's partner.This sentence is useful for identifying someone else's partner using Partner.Tatoeba #6619584 by Felixjp, translation #2549040 by CK
- Ist Ihr Partner treu?Is your partner faithful?This sentence is useful for asking a question about a partner's faithfulness using Partner.Tatoeba #8290868 by GuidoW, translation #11957802 by sundown
- (Interviewer) Wie würden Sie Ihren Geschäftspartner beschreiben?(How would you describe your business partner?)
- (Candidate) Mein Geschäftspartner ist äußerst zuverlässig und kompetent.(My business partner is extremely reliable and competent.)
- (Friend) Hast du deinen Partner zum Abendessen eingeladen?(Did you invite your partner for dinner?)
- (You) Ja, mein Freund wird heute Abend dabei sein.(Yes, my boyfriend/girlfriend will be there tonight.)
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are at a small party.
- MaximilianIst dein Partner auch zu der Party gekommen?Did your partner also come to the party?
- JuliaNein, mein Partner muss leider arbeiten.No, my partner unfortunately has to work.
- MaximilianDas ist schade, aber er ist trotzdem willkommen.That is a pity, but he is welcome nonetheless.
- JuliaDanke, ich sage ihm Bescheid.Thanks, I will let him know.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “partner” translations and entries Partner, Partnerin, Lebensgefährte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
