vaterunser

Univerbation of the prayer’s first two words Vater unser: From Middle High German vatir unsir etc., from Old High German fater unser, translation of Latin Pater noster, itself translated from Ancient Greek πάτερ ἡμῶν (páter hēmôn). The postposition of the possessive was still grammatical in Old High German and early Middle High German, but has survived to this day under continuous backing of the Latin. The natural position Unser Vater is attested since the 16th century, but is presently less com