In German
Mutter
Meaning: mother
Formal or informal? “Mama” or “Mutti” is the everyday, affectionate word. “Mutter” is the neutral term, used in writing and formally.
Example sentences
MeineMutterkochtgern.
My mother likes cooking.
Mama,ichhabeHunger!
Mum, I'm hungry!
DieMuttermeinerFreundinistÄrztin.
My friend's mother is a doctor.
Grammar note
“Die Mutter” is feminine. Its plural, “Mütter”, takes an umlaut.
Common mistake
Don't confuse “Mutter” (mother) with “Mutter” in the sense of a nut for a bolt. In a family context it's always the parent.
Quick check
Which word means “mother”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What do children call their mother?
“Mama” or “Mutti”, the affectionate form.
What's the plural of Mutter?
“Mütter”, with an umlaut.