01
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
'der Vater' and 'der Vati' both mean the male parent. 'der Vater' is neutral and fits in almost all situations, for example in conversations with other people, on forms, or at school. 'der Vati' is affectionate and family-like. It sounds especially like children's language or like a very personal conversation within the family. Learners may confuse the words because they refer to the same person. The difference is mainly in tone: 'Vater' is neutral, while 'Vati' is warm and informal.
Vati
Nach der Schule ruft Emma: „Vati, kannst du mir bei den Hausaufgaben helfen?“
After school, Emma calls out, “Daddy, can you help me with my homework?”
Vater
Der Lehrer möchte morgen mit dem Vater von Max sprechen.
The teacher wants to speak with Max's father tomorrow.
In real life
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