[Ger-Poland-Volhynia] Surname Equivalent

[gpvjem]

    Your daughter is correct when using the contemporary word "Patzer" . The Oxford-Duden Dictionary has this definition ...... a slip (coll.); or boob (slang) also ein dicker Patzer, which means "a real howler"  
    However on a more serious note, the Dictionary of German Names by Hans Bahlow states "Patzer: - from the place name Patzau in Bohemia"  The root of the name goes back several hundred years to Paczer (1414) and Paczawer (1348)

John Marsch

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  Does anyone know the origin of the name "Patzer"?   My daughter tells
  me this is the German word for "mistake"  or "goof."

  Cristine Howe, Trenton MI USA