It is called the Fatherland because it stands as a fatherly figure to the german people, helping and guiding them through times of need. Also, in ancient times Germany was called The Holy Roman Empire Of The German Nation. In Latin, this would be: Sacrum Romanum Imperium Nationis Germanicæ - shortened to 'Imperium Nationis Germanicum,' the big german word 'Nationis' became 'Patriæ' in Latin, meaning Fatherland. In a Nutshell: Germany is called Fatherland because it was known as Holy Roman Empire Of The German Nation (Sacrum Romanum Imperium Nationis Germanicæ), which got shortened to 'Imperium Nationis Germanicum,' and that got shortened to 'Nationis + Patriæ.' 'Patriæ' means Fatherland.