der Gatte
husband
A formal or slightly old-fashioned term for a husband.
EXAMPLE
Ihr Gatte ist ein bekannter Anwalt.
Her husband is a well-known lawyer.
der Gatte
husband
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Gatte' (husband) belongs to a word family for spouses. The female counterpart is 'die Gattin' (wife). Together they are 'die Gatten' (spouses).
EXAMPLE
Die Gastgeberin stellte ihren Gatten vor.
The hostess introduced her husband.
Register and style
This word belongs to a formal or elevated style of language. You often find it in official documents, in literature, or in formal speeches.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Formular müssen Sie den Namen Ihres Gatten eintragen.
On the form, you must enter your husband's name.
Current usage
In normal everyday life, 'der Gatte' (husband) is rarely used. Sometimes, however, it is also used slightly ironically or humorously to sound deliberately formal.
EXAMPLE
„Ich muss noch warten, mein Gatte ist noch nicht fertig“, sagte sie mit einem Augenzwinkern.
'I still have to wait; my husband isn't ready yet,' she said with a wink.
Compare with
Gatte vs Mann
man
Mann and Gatte can both refer to a husband. Mann usually takes on this meaning through a possessive word or the personal context and is suitable in everyday language. Gatte identifies the marital relationship, but sounds formal or slightly old-fashioned and is therefore more suited to elevated language.
Gatte
In der förmlichen Einladung steht, dass Clara mit ihrem Gatten kommt.
The formal invitation says that Clara is coming with her husband.
Mann
Beim Abendessen erzählt Clara, dass ihr Mann morgen zurückkommt.
Over dinner, Clara says that her husband is coming back tomorrow.
In real life
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