German word

Fräulein

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁɔʏ̯laɪ̯n/

Meaning

  • neuter nounyoung lady

Example

Das Fräulein sitzt am Fenster.

The young lady is sitting by the window.

Illustration for Fräulein (young lady)

More examples

Im Brief stand 'Sehr geehrtes Fräulein Müller'.

The letter said, 'Dear Miss Müller.'

Core concept

A small-form version of Frau from older speech, used as a social label for a young woman.

Common phrases

  • Fräulein Müller

    Miss Müller

  • Sehr geehrtes Fräulein Müller

    Dear Miss Müller

  • das Fräulein

    the young lady

Similar words

Frau: A standard term for an adult woman.
junge Frau: A straightforward term for a young adult woman.
Mädchen: A word for a female child or adolescent.

Definition in German

Historische Anrede für eine unverheiratete oder junge Frau; als Diminutiv von Frau gebildet; in moderner Sprache meist überholt.

Word origin

The ending -lein makes Fräulein a diminutive of Frau, whose earlier form was the Middle High German word vrouwe.

Usage tips

  • In present-day German, Fräulein is generally avoided as a form of address; junge Frau or a name is usually more natural.

Other meanings

  • missnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word