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väterlich
fatherly
In a way that is reminiscent of a caring, kind, and protective father.
example
Er gab mir einen väterlichen Rat, der mir sehr geholfen hat.
He gave me fatherly advice that helped me a lot.
väterlich
fatherly / paternal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'väterlich' (fatherly/paternal) is derived from the noun 'der Vater' (the father). The ending '-lich' means 'like a father' or 'coming from the father'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat eine sehr väterliche Art, mit den Kindern umzugehen.
He has a very fatherly way of dealing with children.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'fürsorglich' (caring), 'väterlich' (fatherly) is often combined with positive, protective terms: 'ein väterlicher Rat' (fatherly advice), 'väterliche Wärme' (fatherly warmth), or 'ein väterlicher Freund' (a fatherly friend).
EXAMPLE
Mein Professor war für mich immer ein väterlicher Freund.
My professor was always a fatherly friend to me.
Fixed form: 'väterlicherseits'
To describe origin from the father's side, the adverb 'väterlicherseits' (on the father's side/paternally) is almost always used. It is a very fixed and common form.
EXAMPLE
Meine Großmutter väterlicherseits kommt aus Österreich.
My grandmother on my father's side comes from Austria.
Compare with
väterlich vs elterlich
parental
'elterlich' and 'väterlich' can both express care, protection, or origin within the family. 'elterlich' refers to both parents or to parents in general. It fits when mother and father are meant together, or when you do not want to distinguish between them. 'väterlich' refers more specifically to the father or to a manner that reminds you of a good, protective father. The words can be confused because a father is also a parent. When you are talking about parents in general, 'elterlich' is more precise. When the father or a fatherly manner is meant explicitly, 'väterlich' fits better.
väterlich
Herr Kaya spricht väterlich mit dem jungen Mitarbeiter und macht ihm Mut.
Mr. Kaya speaks to the young employee in a fatherly way and encourages him.
elterlich
Für die Klassenfahrt braucht die Schule eine elterliche Zustimmung.
For the class trip, the school needs parental consent.
In real life
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