Ohm or Onkel (German), Oom (Dutch), i.e. Uncle, is used by certain Mennonites as a title of affectionate regard or honor. The early Dutch Mennonites used the title "Oom" for ministers and other persons to be honored. This practice was trans planted by the Mennonites settling in Danzig and Russia, where it was "Ohm" in Low German and "Onkel" in High German. The latter was also used in South Germany although "Vetter" (cousin) also common.

Adapted by permission of Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Waterloo, Ontario, from Mennonite Encyclopedia, Vol. 4, p. 32. All rights reserved. For information on ordering the encyclopedia visit the Herald Press website.

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