Thor
/toːr/
The name for the thunder god in German is Thor. Wiktionary also lists Donar.
Meaning: thunder god (name)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| Thor | /toːr/ |
| Donar | /ˈdoːnaʁ/ /doˈnaːʁ/ |
The word refers to the name of the thunder god.
Which one should you use?
While Thor is the standard name used in modern German, Donar is an archaic or literary variant used in specific historical or mythological contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/toːr/
Did you know?
- In ancient Germanic tradition, the day we call 'Thursday' is named after Donar in German as Donnerstag, literally 'Donar's day'.
- The names Thor and Donar are doublets, meaning they both originate from the same Proto-Germanic root *Þunraz but entered modern German through different linguistic paths.
- While Thor is used today, Donar was the primary name used by the continental Germanic tribes before the influence of Old Norse literature.
Examples in context
- Thor war einer der nordischen Götter.Thor was one of the Norse gods.Tatoeba #13565628 by Waldelfe, translation #10911393 by CM
- Die Geschichten über Thor sind in der nordischen Mythologie weit verbreitet.The stories about Thor are widespread in Norse mythology.
- Hast du schon mal eine Geschichte über Donar gehört? Er ist der nordische Gott des Donners und des Himmels.Have you ever heard a story about Donar? He is the Norse god of thunder and the sky.
- Thor ist der stärkste aller nordischen Götter.Thor is the strongest of all Norse gods.
- Donar schützt die Menschen vor bösen Geistern und Riesen.Donar protects humans from evil spirits and giants.
- Ich habe gerade den neuen Comic über Thor gelesen.I just read the new comic about Thor.
- Der Donnergott Thor trägt oft seinen mächtigen Hammer namens Mjölnir.The thunder god Thor frequently carries his mighty hammer named Mjölnir.
- Thor wird oft mit dem Hammer dargestellt.Thor is often depicted with a hammer.
- In der Mythologie ist Thor sehr stark.In mythology, Thor is very strong.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a book about Norse mythology at a cafe.
- HannahLiest du gerade etwas über Thor?Are you reading something about Thor right now?
- MaximilianJa, ich interessiere mich für ihn.Yes, I am interested in him.
- HannahIst Thor dein Lieblingsgott?Is Thor your favorite god?
- MaximilianEr ist mein absoluter Favorit.He is my absolute favorite.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thor” translations and entries Thor, Donar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Donar, Thor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
