In German
Ehefrau
Meaning: wife
Example sentences
DasistmeineEhefrau.
This is my wife.
SeineEhefrauarbeitetalsLehrerin.
His wife works as a teacher.
WirsindseitzehnJahrenEhefrauundEhemann.
We've been wife and husband for ten years.
Grammar note
“Die Ehefrau” is feminine, built from “die Ehe” (marriage) plus “die Frau” (woman). In everyday speech, Germans often just say “meine Frau” (my woman/wife) — context makes it clear.
Common mistake
“Frau” alone can mean either “woman” or, casually, “wife” (see our existing “woman” page) — “Ehefrau” is the unambiguous, more formal word when you specifically mean “wife”.
Quick check
Which German word specifically means “wife”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Is “Frau” the same as “Ehefrau”?
“Frau” can mean both “woman” and, casually, “wife”; “Ehefrau” is unambiguous.
What is “Ehefrau” built from?
“Die Ehe” (marriage) plus “die Frau” (woman).