German word

Mädel

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmɛːdl̩/

Meaning

  • neuter noungirl

Example

Die Mädels gehen ins Kino.

The girls are going to the movies.

Illustration for Mädel (girl)

More examples

Das Mädel von nebenan hilft oft im Garten.

The girl next door often helps in the garden.

Core concept

A casual reference to a young girl, carrying a noticeable Bavarian or Austrian tone.

Common phrases

  • das Mädel von nebenan

    the girl next door

  • Mädels unter sich

    girls among themselves

  • das kleine Mädel

    the little girl

Similar words

Mädchen: A common, neutral word for a girl or young woman.
Fräulein: An old-fashioned form of address for an unmarried woman, rarely used today.

Definition in German

Veraltend bis dialektal gebräuchliche Kurzform von Mädchen; umgangssprachlich ein junges Mädchen bezeichnend, oft mit bairisch-österreichischem Klang.

Word origin

Mädel developed as a regional shortening of Mädchen, the standard diminutive form for a girl.

Usage tips

  • Mädel can sound regional or old-fashioned, so Mädchen is the safer neutral choice in standard German.

Opposites

Related words

  • Mädelchenlittle girlnoun

Word lists with this word