Skip to content

Patin

godmother

noun PAH-tin Rare

Origin: from Latin patrina

Usage Note

Patin is the female godparent, the counterpart of Pate (godfather). The -in suffix marks the feminine, as in many German agent nouns. The plural is Patinnen with doubled n. Colloquially also Patentante.

Examples

"Als Patin schenkte sie dem Kind eine silberne Kette."

Natural Translation

As godmother she gave the child a silver chain.

Literal Translation

As godmother gifted she the child a silver chain.

Explore German by topic