der Vati
daddy
An informal and affectionate term for one's own father, used mainly by children or in family language.
EXAMPLE
Vati, liest du mir heute Abend eine Geschichte vor?
Daddy, will you read me a story tonight?
der Vati
daddy
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Meanings
Usage tips
Affectionate form
'Vati' (daddy) is an affectionate form, or pet name, for 'Vater' (father). The ending '-i' is often used in German to make words sound more affectionate or childlike, as also in 'Mutti' (mommy).
EXAMPLE
Meine kleine Schwester nennt unseren Vater immer noch Vati.
My little sister still calls our father Daddy.
Register and style
This word belongs to informal family language. It is used mainly by children or by adults in a very personal, emotional context. In formal situations, it is inappropriate.
EXAMPLE
Als Kind habe ich meinem Vati oft im Garten geholfen.
As a child, I often helped my daddy in the garden.
Use without an article
When addressing your father directly, 'Vati' (daddy) is used like a name, without an article. When talking about him, you can use the article.
EXAMPLE
Vati, kannst du mir bitte helfen?
Daddy, can you please help me?
Compare with
Vati vs Vater
father
Vater is the neutral standard term for the male parent. Vati is an affectionate, familiar term used especially by children and families. Vater is appropriate in neutral conversations, while Vati is often used in familiar family language.
Vati
Vati, holst du mich heute von der Schule ab?
Daddy, are you picking me up from school today?
Vater
Mein Vater holt mich heute von der Schule ab.
My father is picking me up from school today.
In real life
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