01
die Ma
ma
A very informal, rare, and often childlike short form for Mama or mother.
example
Ma, kannst du mir helfen?
Ma, can you help me?
die Ma
ma
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word origin
'Ma' is a short form derived directly from the word 'Mama' (mom). It is basically the first syllable of the longer word.
EXAMPLE
Ma, wo bist du?
Ma, where are you?
Register: child language
This word belongs almost exclusively to child language or to a very intimate, family tone. It is hardly used by adults and can sound childlike or ironic.
EXAMPLE
Das kleine Kind rief nach seiner Ma.
The little child called for his ma.
Use as address
'Ma' is almost always used as a direct form of address, meaning when a child is speaking directly to their mother. It is rarely used to talk about the mother.
EXAMPLE
Ma, ich hab Hunger!
Ma, I'm hungry!
Compare with
Ma vs Mutter
mother / nut
'die Mutter' and 'die Ma' can refer to the same person: the female parent. 'die Mutter' is the normal and neutral word. You can use it in the family, at school, at the doctor’s, or in official situations. 'die Ma' is a very informal short form and often sounds childlike or very familiar. In many situations, 'Ma' can seem unusual or too casual. Learners may confuse the words because both point to the same person. 'Mutter' is usually the safer choice; 'Ma' only fits in very familiar conversations.
Ma
Ma, kannst du mir morgen beim Umzug helfen?
Ma, can you help me move tomorrow?
Mutter
Er hat seine Mutter zum Arzttermin begleitet.
He accompanied his mother to the doctor’s appointment.
In real life
Loading video examples...