At the A1 level, you primarily learn 'die Dame' in the context of formal greetings and public signs. You will see 'Damen' on restroom doors and hear 'Meine Damen und Herren' in announcements at train stations or airports. It is important to know that it means 'lady' and is the polite way to address a group of women. You don't need to use it in your own sentences much yet, except for these fixed phrases. Just remember: 'Damen' is for women, 'Herren' is for men.
At A2, you encounter 'die Dame' in shopping contexts. You will look for the 'Damenabteilung' (women's department) or 'Damenmode' (women's fashion). You might also learn basic games where 'Dame' is the name of the checkers game or the queen in chess. You start to understand that 'Dame' is more formal than 'Frau' and is used by service staff like waiters or shop assistants to address you politely ('Was kann ich für die Dame tun?').
By B1, you should be able to distinguish between 'Frau' and 'Dame' in social situations. You understand that calling someone a 'Dame' implies a certain level of respect or describes their elegant behavior. You can use compound words like 'Damenbesuch' or 'Damenzimmer'. You also understand the use of 'Dame' in card games and can participate in a game of Skat or Bridge using the correct terminology. You recognize the word in literature and news reports describing formal events.
At the B2 level, you explore the nuances of 'die Dame'. You understand idiomatic expressions like 'die Dame von Welt' or 'eine Dame von Stand'. You can use the word to add a specific tone to your writing—perhaps to describe a character's sophisticated demeanor. You are aware of the historical context where 'Dame' was a title of nobility. You also notice when the word is used ironically to describe someone who is acting overly formal or 'stuck up'.
At C1, you master the stylistic use of 'Dame'. You can analyze how the word is used in classical German literature (e.g., Goethe or Schiller) to denote social class and moral character. You understand the subtle difference between 'eine gnädige Dame' (an old-fashioned, very respectful address) and a modern 'Business-Dame'. You can discuss the sociolinguistic shift from 'Dame' to 'Frau' in the 20th century and how 'Dame' has been preserved in specific linguistic 'islands' like high-end service and formal galas.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word's etymological roots and its philosophical implications. You can discuss the concept of 'Damenhaftigkeit' (ladylikeness) and its place in modern gender discourse. You are familiar with obscure legal or historical terms involving 'Dame'. You can use the word with perfect precision in any context, from a highly technical chess analysis to a satirical piece of writing that plays with the word's associations of class and artifice.

die Dame 30秒了解

  • 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.

Translation: A true lady remains calm even in difficult situations.

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?

发音指南

押韵词
Name Reklame

难度评级

需要掌握的语法

Feminine noun endings

Compound noun formation

Genitive case for possession

Plural 'n' suffix

Adjective declension with feminine nouns

按水平分级的例句

1

Meine Damen und Herren, willkommen!

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome!

Plural form used in a formal greeting.

2

Wo sind die Damen?

Where are the ladies?

Nominative plural.

3

Das ist für die Dame.

That is for the lady.

Accusative singular after 'für'.

4

Damen und Herren.

Ladies and gentlemen.

Standard sign for restrooms.

5

Eine Dame wartet.

A lady is waiting.

Indefinite article, feminine.

6

Guten Tag, meine Dame.

Good day, my lady.

Possessive pronoun 'meine' with singular noun.

7

Die Dame ist hier.

The lady is here.

Definite article, nominative.

8

Damenmode ist im ersten Stock.

Women's fashion is on the first floor.

Compound noun.

1

Ich suche ein Geschenk für eine Dame.

I am looking for a gift for a lady.

Accusative singular.

2

Die Dame an der Kasse ist nett.

The lady at the register is nice.

Subject of the sentence.

3

Darf ich die Dame etwas fragen?

May I ask the lady something?

Accusative object.

4

Wir spielen heute Dame.

We are playing checkers today.

Name of the game.

5

Die Dame im Schach ist stark.

The queen in chess is strong.

Chess terminology.

6

Die Damenabteilung ist groß.

The women's department is large.

Compound noun.

7

Damenräder haben keine Stange.

Women's bikes don't have a crossbar.

Compound noun, plural.

8

Die Dame trägt einen Hut.

The lady is wearing a hat.

Simple present tense.

1

Sie verhält sich wie eine echte Dame.

She behaves like a real lady.

Comparison with 'wie'.

2

Die Dame des Hauses begrüßte uns.

The lady of the house greeted us.

Genitive construction.

3

Ich habe die Herz-Dame ausgespielt.

I played the queen of hearts.

Card game context.

4

Damenwahl bedeutet, dass die Frauen wählen.

Ladies' choice means the women choose.

Cultural term.

5

Eine ältere Dame half mir im Bus.

An older lady helped me on the bus.

Adjective declension.

6

Die Dame war sehr distanziert.

The lady was very distant.

Describing personality.

7

Es ist eine Dame am Telefon für Sie.

There is a lady on the phone for you.

Formal phone etiquette.

8

Die Damenwelt war begeistert.

The world of women was thrilled.

Collective compound noun.

1

Sie ist eine Dame von Welt.

She is a sophisticated woman of the world.

Idiomatic expression.

2

Die Dame opferte ihre Figur für den Sieg.

The queen sacrificed her piece for the victory.

Metaphorical use in chess.

3

Er behandelte sie stets als Dame.

He always treated her as a lady.

Adverbial use.

4

Die feine Dame rümpfte die Nase.

The fine lady turned up her nose.

Descriptive narrative.

5

Damenbesuch ist im Wohnheim nicht erlaubt.

Female visitors are not allowed in the dormitory.

Formal compound noun.

6

Die Dame in der Loge beobachtete alles.

The lady in the theater box observed everything.

Prepositional phrase.

7

Sie legte Wert darauf, eine Dame zu sein.

She placed importance on being a lady.

Infinitive clause.

8

Die Dame wirkte etwas herablassend.

The lady seemed a bit condescending.

Verb 'wirken' with adjective.

1

Die Dame ist die mächtigste Figur auf dem Brett.

The queen is the most powerful piece on the board.

Superlative adjective.

2

Es geziemt sich nicht für eine Dame.

It is not becoming for a lady.

Formal verb 'geziemen'.

3

Die Dame von Stand achtet auf Etikette.

The lady of status pays attention to etiquette.

Fixed expression 'von Stand'.

4

Sie spielte die beleidigte Dame.

She played the part of the offended lady.

Metaphorical 'playing a role'.

5

Die Dame in der Literatur des 19. Jahrhunderts.

The lady in 19th-century literature.

Academic context.

6

Eine Dame lässt sich nicht hetzen.

A lady does not let herself be rushed.

Reflexive verb 'lassen'.

7

Trotz ihrer Armut blieb sie eine Dame.

Despite her poverty, she remained a lady.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive.

8

Die Dame war eine Meisterin der Intrige.

The lady was a master of intrigue.

Historical/literary context.

1

Die Ambivalenz des Begriffs 'Dame' in der Moderne.

The ambivalence of the term 'lady' in modern times.

Abstract noun usage.

2

Sie verkörperte die ideale Dame der Romantik.

She embodied the ideal lady of Romanticism.

Historical era reference.

3

Die Dame als Symbol gesellschaftlicher Distinktion.

The lady as a symbol of social distinction.

Sociological terminology.

4

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'.

5

Die Dame im Spiel der Throne.

The lady in the game of thrones.

Metaphorical/literary.

6

Eine Dame von Format erkennt man sofort.

A lady of stature is recognized immediately.

Idiom 'von Format'.

7

Das Dasein als Dame war ihr ein Graus.

Existing as a lady was a horror to her.

Existential context.

8

Die Dame bleibt das Enigma der Erzählung.

The lady remains the enigma of the narrative.

Literary analysis.

近义词

Frau Lady Matrone Weibsperson Gnädige Königin (chess) Frauenzimmer (archaic) Ehefrau (rarely)

反义词

Herr Mann Bube (cards) Bauer (chess) Knabe

常见搭配

vornehme Dame
ältere Dame
junge Dame
gnädige Dame
Dame von Welt
Dame spielen
Dame schlagen
Damen und Herren
begleitende Dame
feine Dame

容易混淆的词

die Dame vs Frau

die Dame vs Lady

die Dame vs Königin

容易混淆

die Dame vs dämlich

die Dame vs Damast

die Dame vs Damm

die Dame vs Damen

die Dame vs Domina

句型

词族

名词

Damenhaftigkeit
Dämchen
Damenzimmer

动词

damentreten (rare/obsolete)

形容词

damenhaft

如何使用

irony

Calling a friend 'meine Dame' can be a joke about her being bossy.

retail

Always 'Damenmode', never 'Frauenmode' in high-end shops.

常见错误
  • 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'.

小贴士

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.

记住它

词源

From Old French 'dame', from Latin 'domina' (mistress, lady of the house).

文化背景

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).

在生活中练习

真实语境

对话开场白

"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?"

日记主题

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?

常见问题

10 个问题

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.

自我测试 200 个问题

writing

Write a formal greeting for a speech.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Describe a 'Dame von Welt' in two sentences.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'The lady is playing chess.'

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Explain the difference between 'Frau' and 'Dame'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'Damenabteilung'.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

How do you ask a woman if she wants to dance formally?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Ladies and gentlemen, the train is arriving.'

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence about the queen in chess.

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writing

Use 'Damenwahl' in a sentence.

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writing

Describe a 'Damenrad'.

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writing

Translate: 'The lady at the reception is very nice.'

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence using 'Herz-Dame'.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'Where are the ladies' restrooms?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a short dialogue in a restaurant using 'Dame'.

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Translate: 'She is a true lady.'

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writing

Use 'Damenbesuch' in a sentence.

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writing

Translate: 'The ladies are waiting.'

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writing

Write a sentence about the game 'Dame'.

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writing

Translate: 'Ladies' fashion is expensive.'

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
writing

Write a sentence with 'gnädige Dame'.

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speaking

Say 'Ladies and gentlemen' in German.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask where the women's department is.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Tell someone you are playing checkers.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Good day, my lady' politely.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain that the queen is strong in chess.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask a waiter for the menu for the lady.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'She is a real lady'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Announce that it is 'Ladies' choice'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The ladies are here'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Compliment someone on their 'ladylike' behavior.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Ask if a lady is waiting for someone.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I lost my queen' in chess.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Order a drink for the lady.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Say 'Welcome, ladies and gentlemen'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I need a women's bike'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
speaking

Tell a story about an 'older lady'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The lady in red'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain 'Damenbesuch' to a friend.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'She is a sophisticated woman'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Ladies first'.

Read this aloud:

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Damen und Herren, Gleis 4.' Where should you go?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Was darf ich der Dame bringen?' What is the speaker's job?

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正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
listening

Listen: 'Schachmatt durch die Dame.' Which piece won?

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listening

Listen: 'Damenmode reduziert.' What is on sale?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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listening

Listen: 'Eine Dame wartet an der Tür.' Where is she?

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listening

Listen: 'Damenwahl beim nächsten Tanz.' What is happening?

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listening

Listen: 'Die Dame von Welt weiß das.' Who knows it?

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listening

Listen: 'Wo ist die Damentoilette?' What is the person looking for?

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listening

Listen: 'Die Herz-Dame fehlt.' What is missing?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
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listening

Listen: 'Guten Abend, meine Damen.' Who is being addressed?

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listening

Listen: 'Ein Kavalier für die Dame.' What is needed?

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listening

Listen: 'Die Dame ist am Zug.' Whose turn is it?

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listening

Listen: 'Damenbesuch ist nicht gestattet.' Is it allowed?

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listening

Listen: 'Sie ist eine feine Dame.' Is she rude?

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listening

Listen: 'Damenräder im Angebot.' What is for sale?

正确! 不太对。 正确答案:
正确! 不太对。 正确答案:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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