Damen
The German word for "ladies" is Damen.
Damen is a common and widely used translation for "ladies" in formal German.
Which one should you use?
While Frauen is the standard word for "women", Damen is a more formal or polite term used in specific social contexts. If you are looking for a colloquial or affectionate way to address young women or girls, you might use Mädels.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Damen is a formal term used in settings such as high-end retail, formal events or polite social addresses. In informal situations, some Germans may even use the English term "Ladies".
How does it change in a sentence?
Damen is the plural form of the singular noun Dame.
When do people say it?
In formal public speaking, the phrase Meine Damen und Herren is the standard way to address an audience, meaning "Ladies and gentlemen".
Did you know?
- If you are playing bridge or other card games, the term Dame refers to the Queen card. This is a common way to use the word in everyday casual gaming.
- While Damen is formal, the word Dame can sometimes be used ironically or sarcastically in modern German to describe someone acting overly pretentious.
- Public restrooms for women are almost always labeled Damen rather than Frauen.
Examples in context
- Meine Damen und Herren…Ladies and gentlemen…This sentence shows how to use the phrase when addressing an audience.Tatoeba #11989156 by alabama, translation #2638466 by Joseph
- Tom tanzt mit den Damen.Tom is dancing with the ladies.This sentence uses Damen to describe women dancing.Tatoeba #1695308 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1397738 by Spamster
- Gute Nacht, meine Damen!Goodnight, ladies.This sentence uses Damen as a polite way to say goodnight.Tatoeba #6583783 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2210662 by Hybrid
- Sehr geehrte Damen und HerrenDear ladies and gentlemen
- Hey Mädels, wie geht es euch?Hey ladies, how are you doing?
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian is welcoming guests to a formal dinner party.
- JulianWillkommen, meine Damen und Herren!Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!
- LauraVielen Dank für die Einladung, Julian.Thank you very much for the invitation, Julian.
- JulianDarf ich Ihnen helfen, meine Damen?May I help you, ladies?
- LauraDas ist sehr nett von dir.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
