German Father's Day – Deutscher Vatertag

by: Gerhild Fulson  / Oma Gerhild shares easy, authentic German recipes you can trust—rooted in family tradition and featured in her cookbooks.

The German Father's Day, aka Vatertag, observance is so different from the Canadian and American celebration which is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of June.

Originally, during the Middle Ages, Father's Day was a religious celebration to honor God the Father. It was celebrated on Ascension Day, aka Christi Himmelfahrt, usually in May. For example, in 2010, this fell on May 13 (40 days after Easter). In 2013, on May 9. In 2015, on May 14, and in 2020 on May 21!

Later, it did become a day to honor Dad, but soon became a day when men had a 'drinking day' where they toured the bars and pubs getting drunk. (Not a pretty picture!)

In some places it still is a day where men gather, either in parks or outings, and beer is consumed in large quantities. After having talked with some friends in Germany, it seems their recollections of Vatertag were not good. They recall a lot of drinking and drunkenness.

Now-a-day, in some areas, it is celebrated as a family recognition of Dad. Since Ascension Day is a public holiday in Germany, this provides a day to enjoy a short day-trip.

Raised in Canada after immigrating from Germany, we would celebrate Father's Day the Canadian way. Mutti  would make the foods my Papa loved the most. What was that? Rouladen and potato dumplings, of course!

Go to recipe >

Mutti would bake Papa's favorite torte for dessert - usually a Blitz Torte. I'm sure she liked that fact that this easy cake was his favourite.

We would make cards and give little gifts. It was always difficult to think of something Papa would like. For us, though, it was actually a double celebration. Papa's birthday was June 19 and often on the same day -- a real Father's Day for him!

So why not celebrate Dad on his special day. We'd do it on the Canadian Father's Day, the third Sunday in June. So, either in May or June, make this a day to recognize Dad for the great guy he is!

Tell Dad, "Glücklicher Vatertag." (Happy Father's Day!)

Make Dad some Beef!

From Oma's heart to your table

Complete your set today - order now!

Join Oma's Kaffeeklatsch

Come for coffee & cake (virtually!), & you’ll discover new things about German food, recipes, & all things German.

 

Get my “Top 10 Favorite German Recipes” ebook & more … all delivered free right to your inbox from me, Oma Gerhild 🥰

 

Email address

First name

CLICK TO JOIN NOW

Thanks for joining!

Keep your eyes on your inbox for my email. 

---

Follow Oma on Social Media:

instagramyoutubefacebookpinterest

Comments?  Questions?

You can leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question...

Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods. 

Meet with us around Oma's virtual table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

Recent Articles

• 
• 

1. German Apple Strudel Recipe – Oma's Apfelstrudel Rezept

   Apr 21, 25 08:05 PM

   
   ​This German Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel) is a quick and easy dessert made with frozen puff pastry, delivering classic flavor without the fuss.​

   Read More

2. White Asparagus with Easy Hollandaise Sauce: Oma's Spargel mit Sosse.

   Apr 20, 25 07:26 PM

   
   ​This white asparagus (Spargel) recipe is a traditional German favorite, served with easy Hollandaise sauce, boiled potatoes, and ham.​

   Read More

3. German Pretzel Recipe (without lye) – Omas Soft Bavarian Laugenbrezel

   Apr 20, 25 05:09 PM

   
   This German Pretzel (Laugenbrezel) recipe skips the lye but still brings that golden crust and soft, chewy bite with a BAKED baking soda trick.

   Read More

Let's connect...

From Oma's heart
to your table

Complete your set today - order now!

More about me >

Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.