Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mädchen | /ˈmɛːtçən/ /ˈmeːtçən/ |
neuter |
| Dirndl | /ˈdɪrndl̩/ | |
| Mädl | ||
| Madli | ||
| Deandl | ||
| Meudl | ||
| Mädel | /ˈmɛːd(ə)l/ /ˈmeːd(ə)l/ |
neuter, regional |
| Goof | Alemannic German, feminine | |
| Maidle | Alemannic German | |
| Maitli | Alemannic German | |
| Meitle | Alemannic German | |
| Meidschi | Alemannic German | |
| Meetle | Alemannic German | |
| Meitji | Alemannic German | |
| Moadle | Alemannic German | |
| Meiki | Alemannic German | |
| Maadche | Rhine Franconian |
The term used to refer to a young female person.
Which one should you use?
While Mädchen is the standard and most common term, you may encounter Mädl or Mädel in informal speech. In specific Alemannic-German dialects, many variations exist such as Goof, Maidle, Maitli, Meitle, Meidschi, Meetle, Meitji, Moadle, Meiki.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Mädchen is the neutral, standard choice. Mädel is a colloquial and more informal way to say girl or lass. For a more formal way to refer to a girl, you can use the phrase Junge Dame, which translates to young lady.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Maadche is used in Rhine-Franconian areas. Many forms like Goof, Maidle, Maitli, Meitle, Meidschi, Meetle, Meitji, Moadle, Meiki are part of Alemannic-German dialects. Although not listed in the primary forms, the term Deern is primarily used in northern Germany to say girl.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Mädchen is grammatically neuter, meaning it uses the neuter article das in the singular (das Mädchen). However, the plural form is also Mädchen, but it uses the feminine article die (die Mädchen). One specific Alemannic-German form, Goof, is categorized as feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɛːtçən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because the person being described is female, English speakers often mistakenly use the feminine article die with the singular Mädchen. You must use the neuter article das instead.
Did you know?
- The word Mädchen is formed by adding a diminutive suffix to Magd, which historically referred to a female servant or maid.
- The word Dirndl is often associated with girls, but it actually refers to a specific type of traditional dress worn in Alpine regions.
- The diminutive suffix in Mädchen is -chen, a suffix that is used to create many other nouns in German to indicate smallness or affection.
Examples in context
- Wo ist das Mädchen?Where's the girl?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of the Mädchen.Tatoeba #1687839 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1664243 by Spamster
- Er sah das Mädchen.He saw the girl.This sentence is useful for describing the action of seeing the Mädchen.Tatoeba #1766656 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1766641 by CK
- Wer ist das Mädchen?Who is the girl?This sentence is useful for asking the identity of the Mädchen.Tatoeba #1280259 by Esperantostern, translation #5974529 by CarpeLanam
- Das Mädchen liest ein Buch.The girl is reading a book.
- Kann ich Ihnen behilflich sein, junge Dame?Can I help you, young lady?
- Hey, Mädel, wie geht's?Hey, girl, how are you?
- 1229 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are at a park watching children play.
- SarahDas Mädchen spielt dort.The girl is playing over there.
- LukasIst das das Mädchen aus der Schule?Is that the girl from school?
- SarahJa, das Mädchen ist sehr nett.Yes, the girl is very nice.
- LukasSie sieht sehr glücklich aus.She looks very happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “girl” translations and entries Mädchen, Dirndl, Mädel, Maitli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Mädchen, Mädel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
