die  Frau

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/fʁaʊ/

👩 What does "die Frau" mean?

The German word die Frau has several meanings:

• Adult female person: This is the most general meaning, the counterpart to "der Mann" (the man). Example: Eine Frau ging die Straße entlang. (A woman walked down the street.)
• Wife: It refers to the female partner in a marriage. Example: Das ist meine Frau. (That is my wife.)
• Form of address (Mrs.): Similar to "Herr" for men, "Frau" (followed by the surname) is used as a polite form of address for adult women. Example: Guten Tag, Frau Müller! (Good day, Mrs. Müller!) ⚠️ Historically, "Fräulein" was used for unmarried women, but this is now considered outdated and often inappropriate. Generally, "Frau" is used regardless of marital status.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: die Frau

"Frau" is a feminine noun and therefore uses the article die.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Die Frau liest ein Buch. (The woman is reading a book.)
• Genitive: Der Hut der Frau ist rot. (The woman's hat is red.)
• Dative: Ich gebe der Frau die Blumen. (I give the flowers to the woman.)
• Accusative: Er sieht die Frau im Park. (He sees the woman in the park.)
• Plural: Viele Frauen engagieren sich ehrenamtlich. (Many women volunteer.)

🗣️ How to use "die Frau"?

The usage of "Frau" depends on the context:

• General: When talking about an adult female person. Example: Die Frau an der Kasse war sehr nett. (The woman at the checkout was very nice.)
• Spouse: In the context of family and relationships. Example: Mein Bruder stellt uns seine Frau vor. (My brother introduces his wife to us.)
• Address (Mrs.): In formal situations, letters, emails, or when directly addressing an unknown woman or a person deserving respect. Example: Sehr geehrte Frau Schmidt, ... (Dear Mrs. Schmidt, ...)

Distinction from "Mädchen": "Mädchen" (das Mädchen) refers to a female child or adolescent. Using "Mädchen" for an adult woman can sound patronizing.

Past vs. Present: The address "Fräulein" for unmarried women is outdated. Today, "Frau" is generally used, reflecting equality. Modern usage: Frau Dr. Bauer hält einen Vortrag. (Dr. Bauer is giving a lecture.) - Note that 'Frau' is used even with a title.

🧠 Memory Aids for "die Frau"

For the article "die":

Remember that many words for female persons in German are feminine and take the article "die": die Mutter (mother), die Tochter (daughter), die Schwester (sister), die Tante (aunt)... and, of course, die Frau. Femaleness points to die!

For the meaning:

Imagine a friendly Frau (woman/Mrs.) offering you some cake ('Frau' sounds a bit like 'flour' used in cake). This visual connects the sound to the meaning of a woman/Mrs.

↔️ Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Words for Frau

⚠️ Similar Words / Potential Confusion:

• Fräulein: Outdated term for an unmarried woman (Miss). Should be avoided.
• Mädchen: Girl (female child or adolescent). Not used for adult women.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt ein Mann seine Frau: "Schatz, was gibt es heute zu essen?" Sie: "Nichts." Er: "Das gab's doch gestern schon!" Sie: "Ich hab ja auch für zwei Tage gekocht!"

English: A man asks his wife: "Honey, what's for dinner tonight?" She: "Nothing." He: "But we had that yesterday!" She: "I know, I cooked for two days!"

📜 Poem about "die Frau"

German:
Die Frau, mal sanft, mal stark und klar,
steht mitten im Leben, Jahr für Jahr.
Als Mutter, Freundin, Chefin, Geist,
auf vielen Wegen sie uns weist.

English:
The woman, sometimes gentle, strong and clear,
stands in the midst of life, year after year.
As mother, friend, boss, spirit bright,
she guides us on many paths with light.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin erwachsen und nicht klein,
bin oft des Mannes Sonnenschein.
Man spricht mich höflich an mit Namen,
ich gehöre zu den „Damen“.

Wer bin ich?

English:
I am adult and not small,
often the husband's sunshine for all.
Addressed politely by my name,
I belong among the 'dames'.

Who am I?

Solution: die Frau (the woman/wife/Mrs.)

💡 More about "Frau"

• Etymology: The word "Frau" comes from the Old High German "frouwa", which originally meant "Herrin" (mistress, lady), the female equivalent of "fro" (lord, master).
• Compound Nouns: "Frau" is part of many compound nouns, e.g., die Hausfrau (housewife), die Frauenärztin (female gynecologist), die Geschäftsfrau (businesswoman), der Frauentag (Women's Day), die Frauenquote (gender quota).
• Cultural Significance: The role and perception of women have changed significantly throughout history, which is also reflected in language (e.g., the obsolescence of "Fräulein" as a standard form of address).