01
die Mami
mommy
An affectionate form for mother, used especially by children. It expresses a close and loving relationship.
example
Mami, kannst du mir eine Geschichte vorlesen?
Mommy, can you read me a story?
die Mami
mommy
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register and style
'Mami' (mommy) is a very informal and emotional word that is used almost only by children for their own mother. In formal situations or when talking about another person's mother, it is inappropriate.
EXAMPLE
Mami, ich hab dich lieb!
Mommy, I love you!
Word structure
The ending '-i' is often used in German to form affectionate or diminutive forms. It signals a special closeness and familiarity.
EXAMPLE
Meine Mami macht den besten Kuchen.
My mommy makes the best cake.
Use in a sentence
The word 'Mami' (mommy) is very often used in direct address, usually without an article. It can also be used with a possessive pronoun to refer to one's own mother.
EXAMPLE
Mami, kannst du mir helfen?
Mommy, can you help me?
Compare with
Mami vs Mutter
mother / nut
'die Mutter' and 'die Mami' both mean the female parent. The difference is mainly in tone. 'Mutter' is neutral and fits almost all situations, including at school, at government offices, or when adults talk about their family. 'Mami' sounds very personal and affectionate. It is used especially by small children or in very familiar situations. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to the same person. If you are unsure, 'Mutter' is usually the more appropriate and more neutral choice.
Mami
Nina ruft im Supermarkt nach ihrer Mami.
Nina calls for her mommy in the supermarket.
Mutter
Meine Mutter holt mich heute nach dem Kurs ab.
My mother is picking me up after the course today.
In real life
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