The German word "frau" is spelled with the letters f-r-a-u. Its IPA phonetic transcription is [fʁaʊ]. The initial letter f is pronounced as a voiceless labiodental fricative, followed by the vowel sound represented by the letters a and u. The letter r between the two vowels is pronounced as a voiced alveolar trill. The final letter u is pronounced as a close back rounded vowel. Translating to "woman" in English, this word is frequently used as a respectful form of address to an adult woman.
Frau is a noun of German origin that primarily refers to a married or adult woman. It is often used as a courtesy title before a woman's surname, equivalent to the English "Mrs." This term is commonly employed in German-speaking European countries, such as Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as a formal and respectful way of addressing women, particularly in official or formal settings. It is an acknowledgment of a woman's married or mature status.
Aside from its general meaning as a title, frau can also be used to refer to a female teacher, similar to the English "Miss" or "Ms." In this context, it is used specifically for women who teach at primary or secondary schools.
Furthermore, frau has extended its usage to certain contexts beyond Germany and other German-speaking countries. It can also refer to a woman who is the head of a German-speaking household. Additionally, the term can be found in compound words or phrases that describe specific roles or positions held by women.
In summary, frau is a German noun that is primarily used as a title before a woman's surname to show respect and acknowledgment of her married or adult status. It is widely used as a courtesy title in German-speaking countries and can also refer to a female teacher or describe certain roles or positions held by women.
The word "frau" is derived from the Middle High German word "vrouwe" which meant "woman" or "lady". This Middle High German term is a descendant of the Old High German word "frouwa" which had a similar meaning. The Old High German word, in turn, can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "frawjōn" meaning "lady" or "woman". The etymology of "frau" ultimately leads to the Proto-Indo-European root "per-", which is associated with concepts related to "to bring forth" or "produce".