01
die Gattin
wife
A formal or elevated term for one's wife.
example
Der Minister erschien in Begleitung seiner Gattin zur Gala.
The minister appeared at the gala accompanied by his wife.
die Gattin
wife
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register and style
'Gattin' (wife) is a formal and elevated term. It is used in official contexts, in written language, or when one wants to sound especially polite and distant. In everyday life, the word is uncommon.
EXAMPLE
Der Präsident hielt die Rede an der Seite seiner Gattin.
The president gave the speech alongside his wife.
Typical phrase
A very fixed expression is the phrase 'und Gattin' (and wife), which is often used on formal invitations or in official announcements to refer to a married couple.
EXAMPLE
Zur Gala werden Herr Dr. Müller und Gattin erwartet.
Dr. Müller and wife are expected at the gala.
Cultural context
When speaking about another person's wife, 'Gattin' (wife) can express respect. If you refer to your own wife as 'meine Gattin' (my wife), it can sound slightly old-fashioned or even ironic depending on the context.
EXAMPLE
Darf ich Ihnen meine Gattin vorstellen?
May I introduce you to my wife?
Compare with
Gattin vs Frau
woman / wife
'die Frau' and 'die Gattin' can both mean a wife. 'Meine Frau' is the normal form in everyday language and sounds natural in conversation. 'Gattin' also means wife, but sounds formal or elevated. You are more likely to hear it at official occasions, in written texts, or in very polite language. If you are simply talking with friends, 'Frau' is much more natural. 'Gattin' fits when the tone should be especially formal.
Gattin
Der Bürgermeister begrüßt den Gast und seine Gattin.
The mayor greets the guest and his wife.
Frau
Paul kommt heute mit seiner Frau zum Abendessen.
Paul is coming to dinner today with his wife.
In real life
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