Meerjungfrau
/ˈmeːɐ̯jʊŋˌfʁaʊ̯/feminine
The German word for mermaid is Meerjungfrau. Wiktionary also lists Wassernixe and Seejungfrau.
Meaning: mythological woman with a fish’s tail (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Meerjungfrau | /ˈmeːɐ̯jʊŋˌfʁaʊ̯/ | feminine |
| Wassernixe | feminine | |
| Seejungfrau | feminine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word Meerjungfrau is a compound of Meer (sea) and Jungfrau (maiden/virgin), literally meaning "sea maiden".
Which one should you use?
Meerjungfrau is the most common and standard term for a mermaid. In contrast, Wassernixe refers more specifically to a water spirit or nymph from folklore rather than the classic mermaid with a fish tail.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Meerjungfrau is Meerjungfrauen. All forms provided are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmeːɐ̯jʊŋˌfʁaʊ̯/
Did you know?
- The word Jungfrau also means 'virgin' and is the standard German term for the zodiac sign Virgo.
- In German folklore, the Nixe is often a more dangerous, shape-shifting water spirit that can lure people to their deaths, unlike the Disney-style Meerjungfrau.
- In German folklore, the term Nixe can refer to both female and male water spirits, unlike the strictly feminine Meerjungfrau.
Examples in context
- Der Legende nach war sie eine Meerjungfrau.The legend says that she was a mermaid.This sentence shows how to use Meerjungfrau in the context of a legend.Tatoeba #5310054 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #279063 by CM
- Die kleine Meerjungfrau sang süßer als alle anderen.The little mermaid sang more sweetly than any of them.This sentence uses Meerjungfrau to describe the singing of a mermaid.Tatoeba #8764952 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7741208 by Hybrid
- „Ich will’s tun“, sagte die kleine Meerjungfrau totenbleich."I will do it," said the little mermaid as pale as death.This sentence illustrates the use of Meerjungfrau when describing a character's appearance.Tatoeba #11510727 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7741246 by Hybrid
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are visiting a museum of mythical creatures.
- JulianIst das eine Meerjungfrau dort?Is that a mermaid over there?
- JuliaJa, sie sieht sehr echt aus.Yes, she looks very real.
- JulianIch glaube, ich wäre gerne eine Meerjungfrau.I think I would like to be a mermaid.
- JuliaDas wäre wirklich ein großes Abenteuer.That would really be a big adventure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mermaid” translations and entries Meerjungfrau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
