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
väterlich
paternal
Relating to the father or coming from him. Often used in reference to origin or family relationships.
EXAMPLE
Sie erbte das Haus ihrer Großeltern väterlicherseits.
She inherited the house from her grandparents on her father's side.
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.
In real life
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