die Dame
die Dame 30秒で
- A formal and polite term for a woman, equivalent to 'lady'.
- Used in the standard greeting 'Meine Damen und Herren'.
- The name for the Queen in chess and card games.
- Commonly used in retail (e.g., Damenmode) and for public restrooms.
The German noun die Dame is a multifaceted term that transcends a simple translation of 'woman'. At its core, it represents a polite, formal, or elevated way to refer to a female person, similar to the English 'lady' or 'madam'. In everyday modern German, while Frau is the standard word for woman, Dame carries a specific weight of social standing, etiquette, or formal distance. It is the word you encounter in the greeting 'Meine Damen und Herren' (Ladies and Gentlemen), establishing a tone of respect and public address.
- Social Register
- The term is significantly more formal than 'Frau'. Using it in a casual setting might sound archaic or even slightly ironic unless the context demands high politeness.
Eine echte Dame bewahrt auch in schwierigen Situationen die Ruhe.
Beyond the human reference, die Dame is a crucial term in games. In chess, it refers to the Queen—the most powerful piece on the board. In a deck of cards, it is also the Queen. This dual identity as both a social title and a powerful game piece highlights the historical association of the word with nobility and strategic importance. In the game of checkers (draughts), reaching the opponent's side turns a piece into a 'Dame'.
- Game Context
- In chess: 'Die Dame zieht in alle Richtungen.' (The queen moves in all directions.)
Darf ich die Dame zum Tanz bitten?
- Etymology
- Derived from the French 'dame' and Latin 'domina' (mistress of the house), it implies a level of authority and grace.
Die Dame an der Rezeption hilft Ihnen gerne weiter.
Schachmatt! Ich habe deine Dame geschlagen.
Using die Dame correctly requires an understanding of social nuance. While 'Frau' is used with a surname (e.g., Frau Schmidt), 'Dame' is almost never used with a surname. You wouldn't say 'Dame Schmidt'. Instead, 'Dame' stands alone as a noun of address or description. In a restaurant, a waiter might say, 'Was wünscht die Dame?' (What does the lady wish?), which is a very formal, service-oriented way of speaking.
- Grammar: Plural and Genitive
- Singular: die Dame, der Dame, der Dame, die Dame. Plural: die Damen, der Damen, den Damen, die Damen. Note the 'n' in the plural across all cases.
Die Damen trugen elegante Abendkleider.
In compound nouns, Damen- is extremely common to denote gender-specific products or spaces. For example, Damenrad (women's bicycle), Damenschuh (women's shoe), or Damentoilette (women's restroom). In these contexts, it is the standard professional term used in retail and signage, where 'Frauen-' might sound too clinical or less 'premium'.
Wo finde ich die Damenabteilung?
- Idiomatic Use
- 'Die Dame von Welt' refers to a sophisticated, cosmopolitan woman of high social standing.
Er ist ein Kavalier der alten Schule und hält der Dame die Tür auf.
In diesem Geschäft gibt es nur Damenmode.
You will encounter die Dame in several distinct environments. The most common is the service industry. In high-end hotels, boutiques, or restaurants, staff will use 'die Dame' or 'die Damen' to refer to customers. It creates a professional distance that is perceived as respectful. If you are looking for a restroom in a public building, the sign will almost always say 'Damen' (often accompanied by a 'H' for Herren).
Die Damen möchten sicher bestellen?
Another major arena is the world of games and sports. In a chess club, 'Dame' is the only word used for the Queen. Similarly, in card games like Skat or Bridge, 'die Herz-Dame' (Queen of Hearts) is standard terminology. In the game of 'Dame' (Checkers/Draughts), the word is the name of the game itself. This makes the word indispensable for anyone interested in German gaming culture.
- Public Announcements
- 'Meine Damen und Herren, das Flugzeug landet in Kürze.' This is the standard opening for any public address system, from trains to planes.
Spielen wir eine Runde Dame?
Die Dame in Schwarz ist die berühmte Schauspielerin.
The most frequent mistake for learners is overusing Dame where Frau is required. In English, you might say 'The lady next door', but in German, 'Die Dame von nebenan' sounds like you are describing someone very posh or elderly. Usually, 'Die Frau von nebenan' is the neutral choice. Using 'Dame' for a young girl or a close friend can sound sarcastic or unnaturally stiff.
- The 'Frau' vs 'Dame' Rule
- Use 'Frau' for names and general descriptions. Use 'Dame' for formal address, retail categories, and games.
Falsch: Dame Müller kommt heute. Richtig: Frau Müller kommt heute.
Another mistake involves the plural. Learners sometimes forget that 'Damen' is the plural, not 'Dames'. Also, be careful with the word 'Dämchen' (little lady), which is almost always derogatory or patronizing. Similarly, calling someone an 'alte Dame' (old lady) is polite, but calling someone a 'Dämchen' is an insult to their maturity.
Die Damen (plural) warten bereits im Salon.
Understanding the synonyms of Dame helps define its boundaries. The most obvious comparison is with Frau. While Frau is biological and social, Dame is cultural and behavioral. A 'Frau' is any adult female; a 'Dame' is a 'Frau' with specific manners or in a specific formal role.
- Dame vs. Frau
- 'Frau' is the standard. 'Dame' is the 'upgrade' for formal or retail contexts.
- Dame vs. Lady
- 'Lady' is often used in German to describe a woman of British nobility or a very stylish, modern woman, whereas 'Dame' is more traditional.
- Dame vs. Weib
- 'Weib' is archaic and today mostly offensive or highly poetic, the polar opposite of the respectful 'Dame'.
Sie ist eine echte Lady (modern/cool) vs. Sie ist eine feine Dame (traditional/elegant).
In the context of games, the word Königin (Queen) is sometimes used colloquially for the chess piece, but 'Dame' remains the official technical term. In playing cards, 'Ober' is used in some regional German decks (like Bavarian cards) instead of 'Dame', which is found in the French deck.
How Formal Is It?
発音ガイド
難易度
知っておくべき文法
Feminine noun endings
Compound noun formation
Genitive case for possession
Plural 'n' suffix
Adjective declension with feminine nouns
レベル別の例文
Meine Damen und Herren, willkommen!
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome!
Plural form used in a formal greeting.
Wo sind die Damen?
Where are the ladies?
Nominative plural.
Das ist für die Dame.
That is for the lady.
Accusative singular after 'für'.
Damen und Herren.
Ladies and gentlemen.
Standard sign for restrooms.
Eine Dame wartet.
A lady is waiting.
Indefinite article, feminine.
Guten Tag, meine Dame.
Good day, my lady.
Possessive pronoun 'meine' with singular noun.
Die Dame ist hier.
The lady is here.
Definite article, nominative.
Damenmode ist im ersten Stock.
Women's fashion is on the first floor.
Compound noun.
Ich suche ein Geschenk für eine Dame.
I am looking for a gift for a lady.
Accusative singular.
Die Dame an der Kasse ist nett.
The lady at the register is nice.
Subject of the sentence.
Darf ich die Dame etwas fragen?
May I ask the lady something?
Accusative object.
Wir spielen heute Dame.
We are playing checkers today.
Name of the game.
Die Dame im Schach ist stark.
The queen in chess is strong.
Chess terminology.
Die Damenabteilung ist groß.
The women's department is large.
Compound noun.
Damenräder haben keine Stange.
Women's bikes don't have a crossbar.
Compound noun, plural.
Die Dame trägt einen Hut.
The lady is wearing a hat.
Simple present tense.
Sie verhält sich wie eine echte Dame.
She behaves like a real lady.
Comparison with 'wie'.
Die Dame des Hauses begrüßte uns.
The lady of the house greeted us.
Genitive construction.
Ich habe die Herz-Dame ausgespielt.
I played the queen of hearts.
Card game context.
Damenwahl bedeutet, dass die Frauen wählen.
Ladies' choice means the women choose.
Cultural term.
Eine ältere Dame half mir im Bus.
An older lady helped me on the bus.
Adjective declension.
Die Dame war sehr distanziert.
The lady was very distant.
Describing personality.
Es ist eine Dame am Telefon für Sie.
There is a lady on the phone for you.
Formal phone etiquette.
Die Damenwelt war begeistert.
The world of women was thrilled.
Collective compound noun.
Sie ist eine Dame von Welt.
She is a sophisticated woman of the world.
Idiomatic expression.
Die Dame opferte ihre Figur für den Sieg.
The queen sacrificed her piece for the victory.
Metaphorical use in chess.
Er behandelte sie stets als Dame.
He always treated her as a lady.
Adverbial use.
Die feine Dame rümpfte die Nase.
The fine lady turned up her nose.
Descriptive narrative.
Damenbesuch ist im Wohnheim nicht erlaubt.
Female visitors are not allowed in the dormitory.
Formal compound noun.
Die Dame in der Loge beobachtete alles.
The lady in the theater box observed everything.
Prepositional phrase.
Sie legte Wert darauf, eine Dame zu sein.
She placed importance on being a lady.
Infinitive clause.
Die Dame wirkte etwas herablassend.
The lady seemed a bit condescending.
Verb 'wirken' with adjective.
Die Dame ist die mächtigste Figur auf dem Brett.
The queen is the most powerful piece on the board.
Superlative adjective.
Es geziemt sich nicht für eine Dame.
It is not becoming for a lady.
Formal verb 'geziemen'.
Die Dame von Stand achtet auf Etikette.
The lady of status pays attention to etiquette.
Fixed expression 'von Stand'.
Sie spielte die beleidigte Dame.
She played the part of the offended lady.
Metaphorical 'playing a role'.
Die Dame in der Literatur des 19. Jahrhunderts.
The lady in 19th-century literature.
Academic context.
Eine Dame lässt sich nicht hetzen.
A lady does not let herself be rushed.
Reflexive verb 'lassen'.
Trotz ihrer Armut blieb sie eine Dame.
Despite her poverty, she remained a lady.
Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.
Die Dame war eine Meisterin der Intrige.
The lady was a master of intrigue.
Historical/literary context.
Die Ambivalenz des Begriffs 'Dame' in der Moderne.
The ambivalence of the term 'lady' in modern times.
Abstract noun usage.
Sie verkörperte die ideale Dame der Romantik.
She embodied the ideal lady of Romanticism.
Historical era reference.
Die Dame als Symbol gesellschaftlicher Distinktion.
The lady as a symbol of social distinction.
Sociological terminology.
Ihre dämliche Art ging ihm auf die Nerven.
Her 'lady-like' (ironic/stupid) way got on his nerves.
Note: 'dämlich' comes from 'Dame' but now means 'stupid'.
Die Dame im Spiel der Throne.
The lady in the game of thrones.
Metaphorical/literary.
Eine Dame von Format erkennt man sofort.
A lady of stature is recognized immediately.
Idiom 'von Format'.
Das Dasein als Dame war ihr ein Graus.
Existing as a lady was a horror to her.
Existential context.
Die Dame bleibt das Enigma der Erzählung.
The lady remains the enigma of the narrative.
Literary analysis.
類義語
反対語
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
よく混同される語
慣用句と表現
間違えやすい
文型パターン
語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
使い方
Calling a friend 'meine Dame' can be a joke about her being bossy.
Always 'Damenmode', never 'Frauenmode' in high-end shops.
- Using 'Dame' with a last name.
- Confusing 'Dame' (the game) with 'Schach' (chess).
- Thinking 'dämlich' is a compliment.
- Using 'Dame' for a wife in a casual conversation.
- Forgetting the 'n' in the plural 'Damen'.
ヒント
Theater Etiquette
In the theater, you will often hear 'Die Damen und Herren des Ensembles'.
Chess Strategy
Losing your 'Dame' is usually the end of the game. Protect her!
Department Stores
Look for signs saying 'Damen' to find women's clothing.
Plural Rule
Always add an 'n' for the plural: Damen.
Politeness
If you want to be extra polite to an unknown woman, 'die Dame' is better than 'die Frau'.
Sophistication
A 'Dame von Welt' is someone who knows how to behave anywhere.
No Surnames
Never say 'Dame Schmidt'. It's 'Frau Schmidt'.
Nobility
In history books, 'Dame' often refers to a woman of the court.
Endings
Don't drop the final 'e'. It's not 'Dam', it's 'Da-me'.
Cards
The 'Dame' is worth 3 points in Skat.
暗記しよう
語源
From Old French 'dame', from Latin 'domina' (mistress, lady of the house).
文化的な背景
The Queen is called 'Dame', not 'Königin', in official German chess rules.
Retailers use 'Damen' to appeal to a sense of elegance and quality.
A man should always let the 'Dame' enter a room first, according to Knigge (German etiquette guide).
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
会話のきっかけ
"Spielen Sie gerne Dame?"
"Wo ist hier die Damenabteilung?"
"Ist diese Dame Ihre Bekannte?"
"Was halten Sie von der Dame im Schach?"
"Sind die Damen bereit zu bestellen?"
日記のテーマ
Beschreibe eine Dame, die du bewunderst.
Was bedeutet 'damenhaft' in der heutigen Zeit?
Spielst du lieber Schach oder Dame? Warum?
Erinnere dich an eine Situation, in der du 'Meine Damen und Herren' gehört hast.
Ist der Begriff 'Dame' noch zeitgemäß?
よくある質問
10 問No, address her as 'Frau [Surname]'. Calling her 'Dame' would be very strange.
Yes, in German chess terminology, the piece is always called 'die Dame'.
It refers to the promoted piece that can move across the whole board, like a lady/queen.
Generally no, it's a term of respect, but some modern speakers find it outdated or stuffy.
Simply 'Damen' or 'Damentoilette'.
A tradition at balls where women choose their dance partners instead of men.
Only ironically or as 'junge Dame' to be polite/stern.
The Queen of Spades in a deck of cards.
Etymologically yes, but today it just means 'stupid' and is not polite.
Any time you are addressing a formal group of people.
自分をテスト 200 問
Write a formal greeting for a speech.
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Describe a 'Dame von Welt' in two sentences.
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Translate: 'The lady is playing chess.'
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Explain the difference between 'Frau' and 'Dame'.
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Write a sentence using 'Damenabteilung'.
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How do you ask a woman if she wants to dance formally?
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Translate: 'Ladies and gentlemen, the train is arriving.'
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Write a sentence about the queen in chess.
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Use 'Damenwahl' in a sentence.
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Describe a 'Damenrad'.
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Translate: 'The lady at the reception is very nice.'
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Write a sentence using 'Herz-Dame'.
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Translate: 'Where are the ladies' restrooms?'
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Write a short dialogue in a restaurant using 'Dame'.
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Translate: 'She is a true lady.'
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Use 'Damenbesuch' in a sentence.
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Translate: 'The ladies are waiting.'
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Write a sentence about the game 'Dame'.
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Translate: 'Ladies' fashion is expensive.'
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Write a sentence with 'gnädige Dame'.
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Say 'Ladies and gentlemen' in German.
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Ask where the women's department is.
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Tell someone you are playing checkers.
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Say 'Good day, my lady' politely.
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Explain that the queen is strong in chess.
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Ask a waiter for the menu for the lady.
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Say 'She is a real lady'.
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Announce that it is 'Ladies' choice'.
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Say 'The ladies are here'.
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Compliment someone on their 'ladylike' behavior.
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Ask if a lady is waiting for someone.
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Say 'I lost my queen' in chess.
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Order a drink for the lady.
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Say 'Welcome, ladies and gentlemen'.
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Say 'I need a women's bike'.
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Tell a story about an 'older lady'.
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Say 'The lady in red'.
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Explain 'Damenbesuch' to a friend.
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Say 'She is a sophisticated woman'.
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Say 'Ladies first'.
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Listen: 'Damen und Herren, Gleis 4.' Where should you go?
Listen: 'Was darf ich der Dame bringen?' What is the speaker's job?
Listen: 'Schachmatt durch die Dame.' Which piece won?
Listen: 'Damenmode reduziert.' What is on sale?
Listen: 'Eine Dame wartet an der Tür.' Where is she?
Listen: 'Damenwahl beim nächsten Tanz.' What is happening?
Listen: 'Die Dame von Welt weiß das.' Who knows it?
Listen: 'Wo ist die Damentoilette?' What is the person looking for?
Listen: 'Die Herz-Dame fehlt.' What is missing?
Listen: 'Guten Abend, meine Damen.' Who is being addressed?
Listen: 'Ein Kavalier für die Dame.' What is needed?
Listen: 'Die Dame ist am Zug.' Whose turn is it?
Listen: 'Damenbesuch ist nicht gestattet.' Is it allowed?
Listen: 'Sie ist eine feine Dame.' Is she rude?
Listen: 'Damenräder im Angebot.' What is for sale?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
While 'Frau' is the everyday word for woman, 'Dame' is your go-to for formal respect, games, and shopping. Example: 'Die Dame an der Rezeption ist sehr hilfsbereit.'
- A formal and polite term for a woman, equivalent to 'lady'.
- Used in the standard greeting 'Meine Damen und Herren'.
- The name for the Queen in chess and card games.
- Commonly used in retail (e.g., Damenmode) and for public restrooms.
Theater Etiquette
In the theater, you will often hear 'Die Damen und Herren des Ensembles'.
Chess Strategy
Losing your 'Dame' is usually the end of the game. Protect her!
Department Stores
Look for signs saying 'Damen' to find women's clothing.
Plural Rule
Always add an 'n' for the plural: Damen.
例文
Die Dame am Empfang hat mir geholfen.
関連コンテンツ
関連する文法
generalの関連語
ab
A1〜から(時間・場所の起点)。「明日から休みです。」 (Ab morgen habe ich frei.)
abends
A2晩に / 毎晩。 '晩に本を読みます。'
aber
A1「aber」は英語の「but」にあたり、「しかし」や「でも」という意味です。
abgelegen
B1remote
ablehnen
A2申し出や招待を断る。彼はその申し出を断った。
abschließen
A2鍵をかける。卒業する、または契約を結ぶ(完了する)。
abseits
A2abseitsは、主要な場所や普段通る道から離れたところにあることを意味します。
acht
A1数字の8(はち)。
Achte
A18番目(序数)。
achten
A2(aufを伴って)〜に注意を払う、または(他動詞として)〜を尊敬する。