frau
Definition
Noun: 1. A German courtesy title or form of address for an adult woman: Equivalent to "Mrs." or "Ms." in English, used before a surname. It is a formal and respectful term. 2. (Less commonly) A German married woman or housewife: Can refer to a married woman, often implying a domestic or matronly role, though this usage can be dated.
Usage Examples
- As a title:
- May I introduce Frau Schmidt? (May I introduce Mrs./Ms. Schmidt?)
- The letter was addressed to Frau Doktor Weber. (The letter was addressed to Dr. [Mrs./Ms.] Weber.)
- Referring to a woman:
- The frau of the house welcomed us warmly. (The lady/mistress of the house welcomed us warmly.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is capitalized ("Frau") when used as a title directly before a surname.
- In historical or literary contexts, "Frau" can be used generically to represent a German married woman or a figure of domestic authority.
- The story depicted the life of a typical frau in 19th-century Berlin.
Variants and Related Words
- Fräulein (noun): A now largely outdated German courtesy title for an unmarried woman, equivalent to "Miss." Its use has declined in favor of "Frau" for all adult women regardless of marital status.
- Herr (noun): The male counterpart, a German courtesy title for an adult man, equivalent to "Mr."
Synonyms
- Mrs.
- Ms.
- Madam (as a formal title of address).
Notes on Meaning
- The primary and most current meaning is the first definition: a formal title of address.
- The second meaning (a German wife/housewife) is context-dependent and may carry cultural or historical connotations. In modern usage, it is safer to use the word strictly as a title unless the context clearly supports the broader meaning.
Noun
-
a German courtesy title or form of address for an adult woman
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