der Papa
dad
An informal and affectionate term for one's own father. Mainly used in a family setting and by children.
EXAMPLE
Mein Papa bringt mir am Wochenende das Fahrradfahren bei.
My dad is teaching me to ride a bike this weekend.
der Papa
dad
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Sentence structure and declension
'Papa' (dad) is often used like a name without an article. In these cases, the form usually remains unchanged in the dative and accusative. With an article, it is declined regularly.
EXAMPLE
Ich helfe Papa im Garten.
I'm helping Dad in the garden.
Family usage
'Papa' (dad) is mainly used within the family. Children say it to their father, but adults also often use it when speaking with or about their own father.
EXAMPLE
Mein Papa hat mir das Radfahren beigebracht.
My dad taught me to ride a bike.
Use as a form of address
The word 'Papa' (dad) can be used directly as a form of address without an article, similar to a name.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir bitte helfen, Papa?
Can you help me, please, Dad?
Compare with
Papa vs Vater
father
Vater and Papa can refer to the same male parent. Vater is neutral and also suitable for more formal situations. Papa sounds familiar and affectionate and is used especially in the family or by children.
Papa
Zu Hause erzählt Mia ihrem Papa von ihrem Schultag.
At home, Mia tells her dad about her school day.
Vater
Im Formular trägt Mia den Namen ihres Vaters ein.
On the form, Mia enters her father's name.
In real life
Loading video examples...