Question

All the countries are called motherland , why then Germany is called 'The Fatherland' ? ​

Answer 1

Explanation:

The Latin word for fatherland is "patria." One more explanation: Fatherland was a nationalistic term used in Nazi Germany to unite Germany in the culture and traditions of ancient Germany. The Russians used Motherland as the symbol of a country that nourished and supported its citizens during times of crisis.Feb 10, 2015

Answer 2

In the 1930s the expression “the Fatherland” was widely used to refer to Germany. For many English speakers the association remains. When the United States adopted the term “Homeland Security” after the attack on the World Trade Center, the expression bothered me no end. “Homeland” made me think “fatherland” and that made me think of Nazis. “Homeland security” no longer raises hackles, but the word fatherland still holds negative connotations for me.

A country closely associated with the word motherland is Russia. In fairy tales, and in Russian literature before 1917, one often encounters the expression “Mother Russia.” After the Revolution, the Soviets preferred the expression Rossiya-Matushka, which I’m told translates as “Mother Motherland

As to a “rule” for the use of fatherland vs motherland, I think the choice would depend upon the connotation sought by the author in a particular context. Fatherland suggests government and order. Motherland connotes birth and nurturing.