die  Gattin

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡatɪn/

💍 What does "die Gattin" mean?

The German word die Gattin translates to wife or spouse (female). It's considered a more formal or elevated term than the everyday word Ehefrau (wife) or simply Frau (woman/wife).

You'll often encounter it in:

• Official contexts (documents, speeches)
• Literature
• Situations where you want to show particular respect for someone's wife.

There's only this one meaning for 'die Gattin'. As the word is feminine, the article is always 'die'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Die Gattin

'Gattin' is a feminine noun. Therefore, the definite article is always die.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Präsident erschien in Begleitung seiner Gattin.
   (The president appeared accompanied by his wife.)
2. Er stellte mir stolz seine Gattin vor.
   (He proudly introduced his wife to me.)
3. Die Rechte der Gattin sind im Gesetz verankert.
   (The rights of the wife are anchored in law.)
4. Wir überreichen den Blumenstrauß der Gattin des Jubilars.
   (We are presenting the bouquet to the wife of the person celebrating the anniversary.)
5. Alle Gattinnen der Vorstandsmitglieder waren zur Gala eingeladen.
   (All wives of the board members were invited to the gala.)

Context and Style: When to use "Gattin"?

Using die Gattin in modern German is generally more formal or elevated. You'll hear and read it less often in everyday conversations among friends or family.

• Official Context: In official letters, at formal events, or in reports about public figures (e.g., "Der Bundeskanzler und seine Gattin" - The Chancellor and his wife).
• Politeness/Respect: When talking about another person's wife, 'Gattin' can sound more respectful than 'Frau'. Example: "Wie geht es Ihrer werten Gattin?" (How is your esteemed wife?)
• Literature/Older Usage: 'Gattin' is more common in novels or texts from earlier eras.
• Comparison with 'Ehefrau' and 'Frau':
  • Ehefrau: The most neutral and common word for a female spouse.
  • Frau: Can mean wife ("Das ist meine Frau" - That's my wife), but it's ambiguous (can also just mean woman). 'Gattin' is specifically related to marriage.

⚠️ In casual conversation, 'Gattin' can sometimes sound a bit distant or even ironic, depending on the tone and context. Usually, 'Ehefrau' or 'meine Frau' / 'seine Frau' (my wife / his wife) is the better choice for everyday use.

🧠 How to Remember "die Gattin"

Article Mnemonic (die):

Think of the phrase "Die wife". The 'ie' sound is prominent in both 'die' and 'wife'. Since 'Gattin' means wife, and wife is female, remember the feminine article 'die'.

Meaning Mnemonic (wife/spouse):

Imagine a couple: the 'Gatte' (husband) and his 'Gattin' (wife). They 'got in' to marriage together. 'Gattin' sounds a bit like 'got in' – she 'got in' to the marriage, she is the wife.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms for Gattin

🚨 Similar Sounding Words (Caution):

• Göttin: Goddess (e.g., 'die Göttin der Liebe' - the goddess of love). Sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

😂 A Little Joke

Friend asks: "Sag mal, warum sprichst du deine Gattin eigentlich immer mit 'mein Schatz' an?"
(Say, why do you always call your wife 'my treasure'?)

The other replies: "Ich hab ihren Namen vergessen..."
(I've forgotten her name...)

✍️ Poem about the Gattin

Die Gattin, oft mit Stil und Sinn,
ist mehr als nur die Königin
des Hauses, das sie hegt und pflegt,
hat oft den Kurs des Lebens festgelegt.

Ein Wort von Ehre, alt und klar,
für die Geliebte, wunderbar.
Die Partnerin, im Bund vereint,
mit der das Glück gemeinsam scheint.

The wife, often with style and sense,
Is more than just the queen intense
Of home, which she tends with care,
Often setting life's course to share.

A word of honor, old and clear,
For the beloved, held so dear.
The partner, in union bound,
With whom shared happiness is found.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich bin die Frau an seiner Seit',
fürs Leben und für lange Zeit.
Man nennt mich förmlich und galant,
im Ehering trag ich mein Pfand.
Mein Artikel ist feminin,
wer bin ich wohl? Die...?

(I am the woman by his side,
For life and for a long, long tide.
They call me formal and polite,
In wedding ring, I hold my plight/pledge.
My article is feminine,
Who am I then? Die...? )

Solution: die Gattin

🤓 Trivia about die Gattin

• Word Origin (Etymology): 'Gattin' is the feminine form of 'Gatte' (husband). Both words derive from the Old High German word 'gato', which originally meant 'companion' or 'fellow'. The meaning later narrowed to 'spouse'.
• Cultural Nuances: The perception of 'Gattin' can vary depending on social circles and generations. While older generations might see it as a normal, respectful term, younger people might find it slightly stiff or distant.