In German
Frau
Meaning: woman
Formal or informal? “Frau” also works as a title before a surname: “Frau Müller” (Mrs Müller). It's the polite form used for women in general.
Example sentences
DieFraudortistLehrerin.
The woman over there is a teacher.
EineFrauwartetdraußen.
A woman is waiting outside.
IchdankederFraufürdieHilfe.
I thank the woman for her help.
Grammar note
“Die Frau” is feminine, so it takes “die” and “eine”. The plural is “die Frauen”. In the dative it's “der Frau”, as in “ich danke der Frau”.
Common mistake
Don't use “Frau” without an article. Say “Die Frau” or “eine Frau”. In “Frau Müller”, the title is capitalised and goes before the name.
Quick check
Which German word means “woman”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the plural of “Frau”?
“Frauen”, which doesn't change in form.
How do you say “Mrs” in German?
“Frau” goes before the surname, as in “Frau Müller”.