German · People & Family
"Last name" in German: Nachname
der Nachname
Last name in German is der Nachname. Say Wie ist dein Nachname? with friends. Formal papers also use Familienname; both mean surname.
Hotel check-in
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How to pronounce Nachname
Say it
NAHKH-nah-muh
/ˈnaːxˌnaːmə/
NAHKH-nah-muh. Soft ch as in ich. Stress Nach-. Soft final -e.
"Last name" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Nachname | last name / surname Everyday word. | Everyday word. |
| der Familienname | family name Forms and official talk. | Forms and official talk. |
| Mein Nachname ist… | My last name is… Introductions. | Introductions. |
| Nachnamen buchstabieren | to spell last names Phone and desk situations. | Phone and desk situations. |
How to use Nachname in real life
- 1Hotel check-in
Können Sie Ihren Nachnamen bitte buchstabieren?
Can you please spell your last name?
Ihren Nachnamen accusative.
- 2Class list
Steht dein Nachname unter M oder N?
Is your last name under M or N?
Dein Nachname.
- 3Email signature
Schreib deinen Nachnamen unter die Mail.
Write your last name under the email.
Deinen Nachnamen.
Mistakes English speakers make with Nachname
Incorrect: die Nachname
Correct: der Nachname
Nachname is masculine: der Nachname.
Incorrect: last name bitte
Correct: Nachname bitte
Use Nachname, not English last name.
Good to know
On German forms Vorname is first name and Nachname or Familienname is last name. People sometimes ask for den Namen and mean the full name—clarify if needed.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Filling a club registration
ChatPal
Welchen Nachnamen schreibe ich für dich?
Which last name should I write for you?
You
Meinen Nachnamen: Berger, mit g.
My last name: Berger, with a g.
ChatPal
Okay. Steht der Nachname hinter dem Vornamen?
Okay. Does the last name go after the first name?
You
Ja, genau so auf dem Formular.
Yes, exactly like that on the form.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Last name" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Last name" in German
How do you say last name?
Der Nachname.
Also Familienname?
Yes—same idea, more formal on papers.
Gender?
Masculine: der Nachname.
What's your last name?
Wie ist dein Nachname? (informal) / Wie ist Ihr Nachname? (formal).
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- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
