This is the 287th most frequent German word.
vater
Father.
The word 'Vater' refers to 'father' as a familial relationship term, directly introducing one's father.
Mein Vater ist sehr freundlich.
My father is very kind.
Here, 'Vater' is used in a descriptive sense, emphasizing a specific character in a narrative context.
Der alte Vater der Familie erzählte Geschichten.
The old father of the family told stories.
In this sentence, 'Vater' denotes the role of a father, used in a generalized and instructive manner.