01
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
'der Mann' and 'der Gatte' can both mean a person's husband. 'Mann' is much more natural in everyday language, especially in forms like 'mein Mann' or 'ihr Mann'. 'Gatte' also means husband, but it sounds formal, polite, or somewhat old-fashioned. You are more likely to find it in official letters, invitations, or very polite language. In normal conversation, 'Mann' is usually more appropriate.
Gatte
Zur Feier ist Frau Müller mit ihrem Gatten gekommen.
Mrs. Müller came to the celebration with her husband.
Mann
Beim Frühstück erzählt sie ihrem Mann von dem neuen Job.
At breakfast, she tells her husband about the new job.
In real life
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