Nachname
/ˈnaːxˌnaːmə/masculine
The German word for surname is Nachname. Wiktionary also lists Familienname.
Meaning: name that indicates family (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nachname | /ˈnaːxˌnaːmə/ /ˈnax-/ (Northern, also) |
masculine |
| Familienname | masculine |
Both Nachname and Familienname refer to the name that indicates your family. In German naming conventions, people typically follow the pattern of a given name followed by a surname, such as Lisa Müller. When you are filling out forms, you will almost always see Nachname paired with Vorname, which means first name.
What does it mean word for word?
Nachname is a compound of nach (after) and Name (name), literally meaning "after-name". Familienname is a compound of Familie (family) and Name (name), literally meaning "family name".
Which one should you use?
While both words mean surname, Familienname is the term typically used on official documents or in bureaucratic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Nachname and Familienname are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnaːxˌnaːmə/
Did you know?
- The term Namensvetter is used for a man who shares the same name as you, a concept related to the shared identity of a surname.
- In many official German forms, you might encounter the term Geburtsname, which refers specifically to your 'birth name' or maiden name.
- Some German families have a Doppelname, where two Familienname entries are joined by a hyphen to preserve both parental lineages.
Examples in context
- Mein Nachname ist Wang.My surname is Wang.This sentence shows how to state your surname using Nachname.Tatoeba #633645 by al_ex_an_der, translation #12267593 by Miktsoanit
- Wie lautet Ihr Familienname?What is your surname?This sentence demonstrates a formal way to ask for someone's surname using Familienname.Tatoeba #8808290 by Melang, translation #687376 by lukaszpp
- Jackson ist mein Familienname.Jackson is my surname.This sentence shows how to identify your surname using Familienname.Tatoeba #6625704 by Felixjp, translation #8725114 by deniko
- Mein Nachname ist BeckerMy surname is Becker.
- Bitte geben Sie Ihren Familiennamen anPlease provide your surname.
- Guten Tag, mein Nachname ist Schmidt.Hello, my surname is Schmidt.
- Sind Ihre beiden Vornamen Teil Ihres Familiennamens?Are both of your given names part of your surname?
- Herr Bauer, Ihr Zuname ist mir schon bekannt.Mr. Bauer, your surname is already known to me.
- Ich habe einen außergewöhnlichen Zunamen, er kommt aus dem Französischen.I have an extraordinary surname, it originates from French.
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a doctor's office reception desk.
- MaximilianGuten Tag, wie ist Ihr Nachname?Good day, what is your surname?
- JuliaMein Nachname ist Schmidt.My surname is Schmidt.
- MaximilianVielen Dank, Frau Schmidt.Thank you, Ms. Schmidt.
- JuliaGerne.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “surname” translations and entries Nachname, Familienname, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
