little father
das Väterchen, die Väterchen
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little father
An affectionate, usually childlike or humorous term for one’s own father or for an older man.
Mein Väterchen hat mir früher jeden Abend eine Geschichte vorgelesen.
My little father used to read me a story every evening.
Father Frost
A personification of winter or frost in the Russian tradition, usually depicted as an old man.
Väterchen Frost bringt den Kindern in Russland traditionell Geschenke zum Neujahrsfest.
Father Frost traditionally brings children in Russia presents for the New Year celebration.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Väterchen |
| genitive | des Väterchens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Väterchen | die Väterchen |
| accusative | das Väterchen | die Väterchen |
| dative | dem Väterchen | den Väterchen |
| genitive | des Väterchens | der Väterchen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Väterchen' consists of 'Vater' (father) and the diminutive suffix '-chen'. This form can therefore express closeness, affection, or a playful attitude at the same time.
Als Kind nannte er seinen Vater manchmal liebevoll Väterchen.
As a child, he sometimes affectionately called his father 'Väterchen' (little father).
'Väterchen' usually sounds childlike, affectionate, or humorous and does not belong to neutral everyday language. Adults often use it deliberately in a familiar, literary, or ironic way.
„Komm schon, Väterchen“, sagte sie lachend zu ihrem alten Vater.
'Come on, Väterchen (little father),' she said laughing to her old father.
In 'Väterchen Frost' (Father Frost), 'Väterchen' is part of a fixed name. References to Russia, winter, frost, or the New Year celebration usually indicate this cultural meaning.
Im Museum sahen die Kinder eine Darstellung von Väterchen Frost mit einem langen weißen Bart.
At the museum, the children saw a depiction of Väterchen Frost (Father Frost) with a long white beard.
