Few words carry as much meaning as mother. It’s one of the first words we learn in any language, and it shows up in family talk, phone calls, and personal stories. Knowing how to say mother in German helps you speak with warmth, accuracy, and emotional fluency.

The German word is die Mutter. It’s feminine, and the plural is die Mütter, with an umlaut. If you're still building a sense for articles and gender, my gender video lesson will walk you through it clearly.

Mutter is one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German, and you'll hear it in everything from childhood memories to official forms.

Quick examples in each case:

Nominative:
Die Mutter ist müde.
The mother is tired.

Accusative:
Ich sehe meine Mutter morgen.
I’m seeing my mother tomorrow.

Dative:
Ich helfe meiner Mutter oft.
I help my mother often.

Genitive:
Das ist das Buch meiner Mutter.
That’s my mother’s book.

Some common uses of Mutter include:

• meine Mutter – my mother

• die junge / alte Mutter – the young / old mother

• Muttertag – Mother’s Day

• alleinerziehende Mutter – single mother

• Mutterliebe – motherly love

Verbs: lieben (love), anrufen (call), helfen (help), besuchen (visit), feiern (celebrate)
Adjectives: lieb, streng (strict), geduldig (patient), krank (sick), verstorben (deceased)

In German culture, Mutter is a word full of respect and feeling — and used in both tender and formal contexts.

Beginner dialogue using Mutter:

A: Was machst du am Wochenende?
B: Ich fahre zu meiner Mutter.
A: What are you doing this weekend?
B: I’m going to my mother’s.

Now it’s your turn. Think of your answer and say it aloud using Mutter.

“Was macht deine Mutter gern — und wie oft seht ihr euch?”
What does your mother enjoy doing — and how often do you see each other?

Even a short spoken answer will help you lock the word Mutter into your active vocabulary.

Duden entry for “Mutter”

German Word of the Day
Now you know how to say mother in German — and how die Mutter helps you connect emotionally, talk about family, and sound natural.

Download the free illustrated PDF of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German and keep learning German where it matters most.

Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Check out Mut — and talk about bravery, emotion, and personal strength.
Or revisit Nachmittag — and describe your daily schedule with confidence.