die
Ehefrau
💍 What does "die Ehefrau" mean?
Die Ehefrau (noun, feminine) refers to a married woman. It signifies the female partner in a marriage.
- Core meaning: A married woman in relation to her spouse.
- Context: Used in everyday language as well as in formal or legal contexts.
Since the word only takes the article "die", there are no different meanings based on the article. It is always feminine.
🚨 Note: The word "Frau" can generally mean "woman" or also "wife" (as a form of address or short form), whereas "Ehefrau" specifically means the married woman.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Women → almost always feminine.
Caution: Most professions also have their feminine forms (e.g. die Polizistin). Some words can also have two forms: der/die Deutsche, der/die Kranke.
🧐 Grammar & Declension: Die Ehefrau
"Ehefrau" is a feminine noun. The article is always die.
Declension Table
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Ehefrau | eine Ehefrau |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Ehefrau | einer Ehefrau |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der Ehefrau | einer Ehefrau |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Ehefrau | eine Ehefrau |
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Ehefrauen | Ehefrauen |
| Genitive | der Ehefrauen | Ehefrauen |
| Dative | den Ehefrauen | Ehefrauen |
| Accusative | die Ehefrauen | Ehefrauen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Nominative: Die Ehefrau kocht das Abendessen. (The wife cooks dinner.)
- Genitive: Das Auto der Ehefrau ist neu. (The wife's car is new.)
- Dative: Er schenkt der Ehefrau Blumen. (He gives flowers to the wife.)
- Accusative: Er liebt seine Ehefrau sehr. (He loves his wife very much.)
- Plural: Die Ehefrauen trafen sich zum Kaffeeklatsch. (The wives met for coffee.)
🗣️ How to use "die Ehefrau"?
"Ehefrau" is used to describe a woman's status as a married partner.
- Everyday life: "Meine Ehefrau und ich fahren in den Urlaub." (My wife and I are going on vacation. - Clear and unambiguous)
- Formal/Official: In documents, forms, or legal contexts, the term "Ehefrau" is often used to precisely state the marital status (e.g., for insurance, authorities).
- Distinction from "Frau": While you can informally say "Das ist meine Frau" (That's my wife), "Ehefrau" is more specific and emphasizes the legal status of the marriage. "Frau" can also simply mean "woman" or serve as a polite form of address (Frau Müller - Mrs. Müller).
- Alternative terms: "Gattin" is a slightly more elevated or formal alternative. "Gemahlin" is even more formal and somewhat dated.
⚠️ Sometimes, in very informal contexts, only "Frau" is used even when "Ehefrau" is meant. The context makes the meaning clear here. Example: "Frag doch mal deine Frau!" (Just ask your wife!)
🧠 Mnemonics for "die Ehefrau"
For the article 'die': Marriage (Ehe) is often an affair of the heart for 'die' (the) woman (Frau). The word Frau is feminine, and Ehefrau is too – hence die Ehefrau.
For the meaning: Imagine a wedding ring (Ehe-) worn by a woman (Frau). Together, this makes Ehefrau – the woman who wears the wedding ring because she is married.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Ehefrau
Synonyms (similar meaning):
⚠️ Similar Words:
😂 A Little Joke
German: Fragt der Freund: "Warum sprichst du mit deiner leeren Kaffeetasse?" Antwortet der Mann: "Ich unterhalte mich mit meiner Ehefrau. Sie ist gerade in der Küche und macht neuen Kaffee – aber sie hört trotzdem alles!"
English: A friend asks: "Why are you talking to your empty coffee cup?" The man replies: "I'm chatting with my wife. She's just in the kitchen making more coffee – but she still hears everything!"
📜 Poem about the Ehefrau
German:
Die Ehefrau, ein starkes Band,
Geht mit dir Hand in Hand
Durch Freud und Leid, durchs ganze Leben,
Kann Trost und Stärke geben.
Ein Fels, ein Hafen, still und klar,
Ist sie das ganze Jahr.
English:
The wife, a bond so strong,
Walks with you hand-in-hand along
Through joy and sorrow, all life through,
Can give comfort and strength anew.
A rock, a harbor, calm and clear,
She is there throughout the year.
🧩 Riddle
German:
Ich trage einen Ring, doch bin kein Planet.
Ich sagte "Ja" vor dem Altar, das ist kein Gerede.
Ein Mann nennt mich oft "Schatz" oder "Liebling", ganz klar.
Wer bin ich, seit dem Tag am Traualtar?
Lösung: die Ehefrau
English:
I wear a ring, but I'm not a planet.
I said "I do" at the altar, no need to ban it.
A man often calls me "darling" or "sweetheart," it's true.
Who have I been since that wedding day, for me and you?
Solution: die Ehefrau (the wife)
✨ Other Information
Word Composition:
The word "Ehefrau" is a compound noun, composed of:
Together, the meaning is "female person in a marriage".
Legal Status:
The term "Ehefrau" also represents a legal status with specific rights and obligations (e.g., in inheritance law, alimony law, tax law).
Summary: is it der, die or das Ehefrau?
The noun "Ehefrau" is feminine, so the correct article is always die. The correct form is: die Ehefrau.