German names typically follow the Western structure of a first name (Vorname) followed by a family name (Nachname or Familienname). A significant feature is the prevalence of surnames derived from occupations (e.g., Müller - miller, Schneider - tailor, Fischer - fisherman), patronymics (e.g., Peters - son of Peter), geographical features (e.g., Berg - mountain, Bach - brook), or personal characteristics (e.g., Klein - small, Schwarz - black).
Compound surnames connected by a hyphen (e.g., Schmidt-Rottluff) are also relatively common. First names are often traditional Germanic names (e.g., Johann, Friedrich, Anna, Elisabeth) or widely used international names. Middle names are frequent but rarely used in daily address.
Compound surnames connected by a hyphen (e.g., Schmidt-Rottluff) are also relatively common. First names are often traditional Germanic names (e.g., Johann, Friedrich, Anna, Elisabeth) or widely used international names. Middle names are frequent but rarely used in daily address.
