Is Fraulein still used in Germany?
From the 1970s, Fräulein was used less often, and it was banned from official use in West Germany in 1972 by the Minister of the Interior. Nevertheless, the word, as a title of address and in other uses, continues to be used, albeit in much reduced frequency.
Fräulein is an unmarried woman (like Miss) while Frau is a married woman (Mrs), this has changed in the last 40 years or so (since the 70s) that it is not used because there is no point in marking unmarried women and everybody is called Frau.
The Germans waved goodbye to their "Fraulein", as a term to addres adult women, in 1972. In the English-speaking world the use of "Miss" is in decline - and on occasions when an honorific is required, "Ms" provides a convenient way of avoiding being pigeon-holed as either "Miss" or "Mrs".
Fräulein is an obsolete word that used to be used insead of "Frau" when addressing an unmarried woman, like "Miss" in English. It isn't primarily an insult, but it can come off as condescending and sexist. And if their parents shout "Fräulein!", girls know they are in trouble.
[ froi-lahyn; English froi-lahyn or, often, fraw-, frou- ] show ipa. noun,plural Fräu·lein. English Fräu·leins. German. an unmarried woman.
Fräulein as a formal address for an unmarried woman is now uncommon and considered disrespectful and sexist by some. Frau is the normal address for all women.
In formal situations, one should address another person with their title and last name, “Herr” (Mr.) for men and “Frau” (Mrs.) for women. It is polite to continue to use formal titles until the person invites you to move on to a first-name basis.
By the 1960s, this came to be seen as patronising by proponents of feminism, partly because there is no equivalent male diminutive, and during the 1970s and 1980s, the term Fräulein became nearly taboo in urban and official settings, while it remained an unmarked standard in many rural areas.
In German, a woman is generally addressed as 'Frau. ' This is the contracted form of 'Frauen,' the German word for 'woman. ' Additionally, the woman's last name or title can be used to address her. For example, one might address a woman as 'Frau Meyer' or 'Frau Doktor.
If the surname is not used or known, e. g. when addressing a stranger in the street, the correct form is der Herr ("sir" or "gentleman"). Mein Herr and werter Herr (lit. “my lord” and “worthy lord”) are also sometimes used, though these have an old-fashioned touch.
What can I use instead of Fräulein?
- Fraulein? Never. ...
- Fräulein? No. ...
- But the solution's simple: use Frau instead!
- [people will say you can technically say Dame as well, but the use cases are subtle. Basically, I would say you can start to use Dame when you've had enough exposure that you don't need to ask how to use Dame, if that makes sense]
What gender-neutral pronouns can I use in German? In the nonbinary community, there are many alternatives to binary er/sie pronouns in German, including: si*er, xier, dey, em, en, hen, iks, and others. Some even use the English pronoun they. These are called Neopronomen (new pronouns).
![Is Fraulein still used in Germany? (2024)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mUAyQ9Xy_wI/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEcCNAFEJQDSFXyq4qpAw4IARUAAIhCGAFwAcABBg==&rs=AOn4CLBXZ__FxiU66lgXnFKNb_KfcPU0dw)
German noun gender is determined generally based on the gender of the person (e.g. der Mann) OR because its form (usually a suffix, e.g. -ung is feminine) OR because it belongs to a noun group associated with a particular gender (e.g. metals are usually neuter).
Maus (mouse)
They're known for making loud scurrying noises, carrying germs, and being hard to catch. Nevertheless, it's quite common for a man to call his girlfriend or wife a "Maus." The term is also a favorite for small children (which, admittedly, have more in common with the tiny animals).
(guten Tag), Fräulein. (hello), young lady, miss.
Kellner /Kellnerin
German for Beer Maids and Beer Waiters.
Basic Etiquette
It is rude to chew gum or keep one's hands in one's pockets whilst talking with someone. Cross your legs by putting one knee over the other. It is impolite to rest your feet on furniture. Tight punctuality (Pünktlichkeit) is expected in most professional and social situations.
Frau. / (fraʊ) / nounplural Frauen (ˈfraʊən) or Fraus. a married German woman: usually used as a title equivalent to Mrs and sometimes extended to older unmarried women.
It is polite to address everyone by their family name and "Sie." Do not leave off double-barreled names, such as Frau Müller-Weber. Names are inserted into conversation after every few sentences.
The love language that Germans best understand — at least early on in the game — is intellectual conversation, not smarmy pickup lines and handsy body language. Ideally, you'll want to keep the conversation stimulating and avoid dull small talk.
How do you say hi in Germany?
Hallo is the simplest and most straightforward way to say 'hello' in German. It's short, sweet, and common across the entire German-speaking world. Besides, it's friendly and can be used successfully in any social situation – either formal or informal.
- Du siehst heute toll aus. (You look great today.) ...
- Du bist sehr schön. (You are very beautiful.)
- Du siehst umwerfend aus! (You look stunning!) ...
- Diese Farbe steht dir.
- Deine Frisur gefällt mir. ...
- Das ist eines der Dinge, die ich an dir mag. ...
- Ich liebe dein Lächeln. ...
- Ich mag deine Schuhe.
Leck mich am Arsch!
This phrase is considered one of the most offensive things you can say in German.
Translation of "nein, Fräulein" in English. No, Miss.
The minimum age of marriage is 18 according to § 1303 of the German Civil Code. Although under certain conditions it is possible to get married from the age of 16. TERRE DES FEMMES casts a critical eye on this exception, because it simplifies forced marriages.
References
- https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/life/a-guide-to-german-etiquette
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- https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-address-a-woman-in-German
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- https://www.clozemaster.com/blog/i-love-you-in-german/
- https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/german-culture/german-culture-etiquette