das Vaterunser
/das ˌfaːtɐˈ(ʔ)ʊnzɐ/word by word
The English phrase "the our father" is translated into German as das Vaterunser.
In German, the name of this traditional Christian prayer is treated as a single, capitalized noun.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Vaterunser is a compound noun consisting of Vater (father) and unser (our).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is neuter, which is why it takes the definite article das.
How do you pronounce it?
/das ˌfaːtɐˈ(ʔ)ʊnzɐ/
Did you know?
- The German Vaterunser is a direct translation of the Latin Pater noster, which itself was translated from the Ancient Greek πάτερ ἡμῶν.
Examples in context
- Das Vaterunser ist ein wichtiges Gebet.The Our Father is an important prayer.
- Sie lernt gerade das Vaterunser.She is learning the Our Father right now.
- Kannst du mir das Vaterunser aufschreiben?Can you write down the Our Father for me?
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are preparing for a church service.
- MaximilianHannah, weißt du das Vaterunser auswendig?Hannah, do you know the Our Father by heart?
- HannahJa, ich kann das Vaterunser sehr gut.Yes, I know the Our Father very well.
- MaximilianDas ist gut für den Gottesdienst.That is good for the church service.
- HannahIch helfe dir gerne beim Üben.I am happy to help you practice.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (das, Vaterunser) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Vaterunser, das, CC BY-SA 4.0.
