noun
surname
A1
Familienname (der) means “surname” or family name. It’s a masculine noun used in official forms. Plural: Familiennamen. Genitive singular often Familiennamens with -s ending. No specific preposition or reflexive use. Declines regularly otherwise; note the genitive and plural forms are commonly required on identity documents.
Examples
Mein Familienname ist Müller.
My last name is Müller.
Bitte schreiben Sie Ihren Familiennamen hier.
Please write your surname here.
Auf dem Formular stand der Familienname, obwohl einige Personen einen Doppelnamen trugen.
The family name was on the form, although some people used a double surname.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a form with 'Familienname' above the surname box.
Family-name -> Familienname (family + name).
der - picture a male signing his family name (der Familienname).