der Ehegatte
husband
A formal and legal term for the male partner in a marriage; the husband.
EXAMPLE
Im Testament wurde der überlebende Ehegatte als Alleinerbe eingesetzt.
In the will, the surviving husband was named the sole heir.
der Ehegatte
husband
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'die Ehe' (marriage) and 'der Gatte' (husband). 'Gatte' by itself is already a more formal term for a husband.
EXAMPLE
Als Ehegatte hat man bestimmte gesetzliche Rechte und Pflichten.
As a husband, you have certain legal rights and duties.
Register and style
'Ehegatte' (husband) is a very formal, legal term. You find it in contracts, laws, or on forms, but not in everyday spoken language, where you would say 'mein Mann' (my husband).
EXAMPLE
Bitte tragen Sie hier den Namen Ihres Ehegatten ein.
Please enter your husband's name here.
Use in the plural
The plural form 'die Ehegatten' (the spouses) is often used to refer to the married couple as a legal unit. It then includes both partners, the husband and the wife.
EXAMPLE
Die Ehegatten haften gemeinsam für die Schulden.
The spouses are jointly liable for the debts.
Compare with
Ehegatte vs Ehemann
husband
Both words can refer to a male spouse. “Der Ehemann” is the usual term in personal and everyday statements, while “der Ehegatte” is noticeably more formal and is especially common in legal or official texts. Choose “Ehegatte” when the text is meant to sound official.
Ehegatte
Im Formular muss jeder Ehegatte seine Daten eintragen.
Each spouse must enter their details on the form.
Ehemann
Mein Ehemann wartet heute Abend zu Hause auf mich.
My husband is waiting for me at home this evening.
In real life
Loading video examples...