German word

Dame

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdaːmə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounlady

Example

Ich habe die Dame gestern gesehen.

I saw the lady yesterday.

Illustration for Dame (lady)

More examples

Die Dame lächelte freundlich.

The lady smiled in a friendly manner.

Core concept

A woman addressed or viewed within a formal, respectful social setting.

Common phrases

  • die Dame

    lady

  • die ältere Dame

    older lady

Similar words

Frau: An everyday term for an adult woman, regardless of marital status.
Fräulein: An old-fashioned term for a young woman, now generally avoided in modern usage.

Definition in German

Höfliche Bezeichnung für eine Frau, besonders in formellen oder gehobenen Zusammenhängen.

Word origin

German Dame entered through French dame from Latin domina, the feminine form of dominus meaning a female household head or mistress.

Usage tips

  • Dame is more formal or old-fashioned than neutral Frau in everyday German, so it often marks a deliberate register choice.

Other meanings

  • womannoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Damenabteilungladies' departmentnoun
  • Damenschuhladies' shoenoun

Word lists with this word