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Naming Conventions

• German naming conventions generally follow a Western format: first name(s), family name.
• Most Germans typically have one or multiple first names and a surname arranged as follows: [first name(s)] [FAMILY NAME]. For example, Klaus MEYER (male) and Maria Anna SCHAFER (female).
• One’s first name, known as a ‘personal name’ or ‘given name’, is chosen at birth as the individual’s personal identifier. It always comes before the family name.
• The majority of Germans have just one first name.
• The concept of middle names is not customary in German naming conventions. While some individuals have multiple given names, these are considered part of their full first name. Secondary given names are rarely used in daily life. For example, Maria Anna SCHAFER would not be referred to as Anna.
• The ‘family name’, known as a ‘surname’ or ‘last name’, is inherited from one’s parents and shared with other members of the individual’s immediate family.
• German surnames are traditionally patrilineal, whereby children carry their father’s family name. This is not an enforced custom, and children may be given either parent’s family name.
• It is customary for women to adopt their husband’s family name upon marriage. However, this practice is declining as more married women have been choosing to keep their maiden name. It is also legal for a man to take his wife’s family name upon marriage.

Names

• German first and middle names are generally gender-specific and left to the parents’ personal choice.
• Traditionally, children were named after grandparents, but this practice is fading. Most parents choose their children’s personal names based on aesthetic appeal.
• The most common and traditional German names are biblical, such as Johann/Hans (John), �ұ�ǰ���/��ö���� (George), Jakob (Jacob), Anna, Maria and Christina. Other popular names have Germanic origins, such as Friedrich and Ludwig.
• English and international names have gained popularity in recent decades. In 2015, the six most popular names for babies were Mia, Emma and Hannah (female), and Ben, Jonas and Leon (male).
• Some of the most common German family names are ��Ü��������, SCHMIDT, SCHMITZ, SCHNEIDER, FISCHER, WEBER, MEYER, MAYER, MEIER and WAGNER.

Addressing Others

• Germans generally address one another verbally by using first names alone.
• In formal situations, one should address another person using their title – “Herr” (Mr.) for men and “Frau” (Mrs.) for women. This is followed by their family name, e.g. Herr ��Ü��������.
• It is polite to continue to use formal titles until the person invites you to move on to a first-name basis.
• Middle names are almost never used to address a person, unless quoted on formal/legal documentation.