Definition

Noun: 1. A German courtesy title or form of address for an unmarried woman: The word is used similarly to "Miss" in English. It is a term of respect and polite address. 2. A German governess or a young German woman: Historically, the word was also used in English to refer to a German governess employed in a household, or more generally to a young German woman.

Usage Examples

• As a title/form of address:
  • "Excuse me, Fraulein, could you help me find this address?"
  • The letter was addressed to Fraulein Schmidt.
• Referring to a person:
  • The children were taught by a fraulein from Berlin. (Here, it is not capitalized as it refers to the occupation, not used as a direct title before a name).

Advanced Usage

• The word is capitalized (Fraulein) when used as a title directly before a surname, e.g., .
• In modern German, the word "Fräulein" (with an umlaut) is considered outdated and potentially condescending in many contexts. The neutral and polite form of address for a woman is now "Frau" (Ms./Mrs.), regardless of marital status. This historical shift is important for understanding contemporary usage.

Variants and Related Words

• Fräulein: The original German spelling, which includes an umlaut (¨) over the 'a'.
• Frau: The German title for a woman, equivalent to "Ms." or "Mrs.", now the standard polite form of address.

Synonyms

• Miss (the closest English equivalent in traditional use)
• Mademoiselle (the French equivalent, also now largely outdated)

Notes on Usage

• When speaking or writing in English, "fraulein" is sometimes used to evoke a historical or stereotypical German context.
• Due to its outdated status in modern German, using "fraulein" to address a German woman today is likely to be seen as incorrect or impolite. It is primarily encountered in historical texts, films, or literature.

Noun

1. a German courtesy title or form of address for an unmarried woman