der Name
name
The word or words used to refer to and identify a person, place, or thing.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir bitte Ihren Namen buchstabieren?
Could you please spell your name for me?
der Name
name
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Meanings
der Name
reputation
The reputation that a person or organization has in public.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Unternehmen hat sich weltweit einen guten Namen gemacht.
This company has made a good name for itself worldwide.
im Namen von
on behalf of
To act or speak as a representative of someone else or on someone else's behalf.
EXAMPLE
Ich spreche hier im Namen aller meiner Kollegen.
I am speaking here on behalf of all my colleagues.
der Name
name
Refers to a famous or well-known person in a particular field.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist ein großer Name in der Modewelt.
She is a big name in the fashion world.
Usage tips
Common mistake: N-declension
'Der Name' (the name) belongs to the N-declension. This means it takes the ending '-n' or '-ns' in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular. Learners often make mistakes with this.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann mich an seinen Namen nicht erinnern.
I can’t remember his name.
Word family
The most important compounds are 'der Vorname' (first name) and 'der Nachname' (last name). In everyday life, people often ask for 'Vor- und Nachname' (first and last name).
EXAMPLE
Bitte geben Sie Ihren Vornamen und Nachnamen an.
Please provide your first name and last name.
Fixed expression: reputation
To express that someone is building a good reputation, you use the fixed expression 'sich einen Namen machen' (to make a name for oneself). The adjective 'gut' (good) can be added.
EXAMPLE
Als Architekt hat er sich in der ganzen Welt einen Namen gemacht.
As an architect, he has made a name for himself all over the world.
Dative construction
The fixed expression 'im Namen von' (on behalf of) is always used with the dative. It expresses that you are speaking as a representative for another person or group.
EXAMPLE
Ich rufe im Namen meiner Chefin an.
I’m calling on behalf of my boss.
Typical collocations
When 'Name' (name) refers to a famous person, it is often combined with adjectives like 'groß' (big/great) or 'bekannt' (well-known). The structure is often 'ein großer Name in' + dative.
EXAMPLE
In der Wissenschaft ist sie ein großer Name.
In science, she is a big name.
Compare with
Name vs Titel
title
Der Name generally identifies a person, place, or thing. Der Titel, by contrast, is the usual designation of a work such as a book or film. That is why you ask for the author’s name but for the title of her book.
Name
Auf dem Buch steht der Name der Autorin.
The author’s name is printed on the book.
Titel
Auf dem Buch steht der Titel ihres neuen Romans.
The title of her new novel is printed on the book.
In real life
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