01
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
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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
'Name' and 'Titel' can both say what something is called. 'Name' is more general and fits people, places, companies, or things. 'Titel' is used especially for works or texts, for example a book, a film, a song, an article, or a chapter. Learners may confuse the words because a title is also a kind of name. In practice: for people you ask for the name; for books, films, or headings you usually ask for the title.
Name
Auf dem Formular fehlt noch der Name des Kindes.
The child's name is still missing from the form.
Titel
Den Titel des Films habe ich leider vergessen.
Unfortunately, I have forgotten the title of the film.
In real life
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