German Conversation · Level 3
88 words
German word
Frau
Pronunciation
IPA/fʁaʊ̯/
Meaning
- feminine nounwoman
Example
Die Frau lacht.
The woman is laughing.
More examples
Eine Frau wartet an der Haltestelle.
A woman is waiting at the bus stop.
Core concept
A woman identified either by her own person, her relationship as a wife, or a respectful title before her family name.
Common phrases
die Frau
the woman
eine ältere Frau
an older woman
die junge Frau
the young woman
Similar words
Ehefrau: A married woman in her role as a spouse.
Mädchen: A child or young woman.
Dame: A refined woman addressed in polite or formal settings.
Fräulein: A former term for a young unmarried woman, now often avoided.
Definition in German
Eine erwachsene weibliche Person; höfliche Anrede und Bezeichnung für die Ehepartnerin.
Word origin
Frau is the modern continuation of Old High German frouwa and Middle High German vrouwe, which were inherited Germanic forms.
Usage tips
- Meine Frau commonly means 'my wife', whereas Frau Schmidt can refer to any adult woman regardless of marital status.