# Vader

/ˈveɪdɝ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vader
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the word for father in Dutch. You might recognize it from famous movie characters whose names hint at their family roles.

For teachers: the Dutch word for father. In English contexts, it is primarily encountered as a loanword or within specific cultural references that play on its Germanic etymology.

## Examples

- The Dutch boy called out for his vader.
- The professor explained that the character's name was a clever play on the Dutch word vader, hinting at his secret identity.
- Etymologists often point to the Dutch vader and German Vater as clear cognates of the English word father, illustrating the shared linguistic heritage of the Germanic languages.

## Usage notes

- Capitalized when used as a proper name or title in Dutch; usually treated as a foreign loanword in English prose.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.