German word

Herr

Pronunciation

IPA/hɛɐ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmister

Example

Herr Müller ist hier.

Mr. Müller is here.

Illustration for Herr (mister)

More examples

Entschuldigung, Herr Schmidt, können Sie kurz helfen?

Excuse me, Mr. Schmidt, could you help me for a moment?

Core concept

A formal nameplate reading "Herr Müller" as a respectful way to address the adult man behind it.

Common phrases

  • Herr Schmidt

    Mr. ___

  • Lieber Herr Schmidt

    Dear Mr. ___

Similar words

Frau: A formal title placed before a woman's surname as a sign of respect.
Nachname: The name shared by members of a family, used on official documents.
Vorname: An individual's personal name, commonly used in familiar or casual settings.
Anrede: The way a person is addressed, including a respectful title.

Definition in German

Anrede für einen erwachsenen Mann; höfliche Bezeichnung, meist vor dem Familiennamen verwendet

Word origin

Herr comes through Middle High German herre from Old High German herro, a title for a lord or master that later broadened into a polite form of address.

Usage tips

  • Herr normally comes before a surname, as in "Herr Müller", while the plural is Herren, not Herrs.

Other meanings

  • gentlemannoun
  • sirnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word