German word

Vorname

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯ˌnaːmə/

Meaning

  • masculine nounfirst name

Example

Wie ist dein Vorname?

What is your first name?

Illustration for Vorname (first name)

More examples

Tragen Sie bitte Ihren Vornamen ins Formular ein.

Please enter your first name on the form.

Core concept

A person's identifying name stands before the family name in the usual German name order.

Common phrases

  • Vorname angeben

    provide first name

  • Vorname buchstabieren

    spell out first name

Similar words

Rufname: The name a person normally uses in everyday speech and introductions.
Nachname: The surname passed down through a family.
Spitzname: An affectionate nickname based on a shortened or altered name.

Definition in German

Vorname bezeichnet den gegebenen oder persönlichen Namen einer Person, der meist vor dem Nachnamen genannt wird.

Word origin

Vorname is a compound of vor, meaning 'before', and Name, meaning 'name', referring to the name placed before the family name.

Usage tips

  • Vorname is masculine, with the plural Vornamen; the ending changes from -e to -en in the plural.

Opposites

Related words

  • Vornamenlistefirst-name listnoun
  • Vornamensgebunggiving a first namenoun

Word lists with this word