Eltern

Eltern always means both parents together; there is no everyday singular, and a single parent is an Elternteil. Baptism registers often have a column headed Eltern with the father's full name and occupation and the mother's name, usually with her maiden name after geb.

In marriage records the Eltern of the bride and groom are often listed with notes such as verstorben (deceased), which helps you date the parents' deaths.