German Conversation · Level 152
29 words
German word
Pate
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈpaːtə/
Meaning
- masculine noungodparent
Example
Viele Paten kamen zur Taufe.
Many godparents came to the baptism.
More examples
Die Stiftung war Pate für das neue Museum.
The foundation was the patron of the new museum.
Core concept
A named supporter takes responsibility for another person, especially at a baptism but also as a patron or protector.
Common phrases
Pate einer Kampagne
patron of a campaign
als Pate auftreten
act as a patron
Pate des Vereins
patron of the association
Similar words
Taufpate: A male godparent who takes this role at a baptism.
Patin: A female godparent who stands by a child at baptism or naming.
Patenonkel: A familiar term for a male godparent among family or close friends.
Sponsor: A supporter who provides funding or assistance to an organization or event.
Definition in German
Eine Person, die bei einer Taufe die Patenschaft für ein Kind übernimmt; umgangssprachlich auch eine Person, die als Förderer oder Schutzherr fungiert.
Word origin
The German noun Pate derives from Latin patrinus through medieval German and originally denoted a baptismal godfather before acquiring broader patronage senses.
Usage tips
- Taufpate and Taufpatin explicitly mean baptismal godparent, which distinguishes the religious sense from a general sponsor or patron.
Other meanings
- patronnoun
- godfathernoun
Opposites
- Schützlingprotégénoun
Related words
- Patenschaftpatronagenoun
- Patenkindgodchildnoun