German word

Vaterland

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfaːtɐˌlant/

Meaning

  • neuter nounhomeland

Example

Die Zukunft des Vaterlandes liegt uns am Herzen.

The future of our homeland is close to our hearts.

Illustration for Vaterland (homeland)

More examples

Viele Freiwillige zogen hinaus, um für das Vaterland zu kämpfen.

Many volunteers set out to fight for the homeland.

Core concept

A country marked as one's own through shared political, cultural, or emotional belonging rather than mere residence.

Common phrases

  • für das Vaterland kämpfen

    fight for the homeland

  • das Vaterland lieben

    love the homeland

  • im Vaterland geboren sein

    be born in the homeland

Similar words

Heimat: A familiar home region linked to childhood, everyday life, and emotional comfort.
Heimatland: A country of origin or a country tied to a strong sense of belonging.
Nation: A political community bound by shared history, culture, and national consciousness.
Staat: A political entity defined by government, territory, and a legal system.

Definition in German

Das Land, dem man sich politisch, kulturell oder emotional zugehörig fühlt; häufig patriotisch konnotiert.

Word origin

The compound Vaterland joins Vater ('father') and Land ('land, country'), framing the homeland through paternal or ancestral belonging.

Usage tips

  • Vaterland is neuter, so the definite article is das; its genitive is Vaterlandes, as in the example.

Other meanings

  • motherlandnoun
  • home countrynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • vaterländischpatrioticadjective
  • Vaterlandsliebelove of the homelandnoun

Word lists with this word