German · People & Family
"Wife" in German: Frau / Ehefrau
die Frau / die Ehefrau
Wife in German is die Frau or, more clearly, die Ehefrau. In speech meine Frau usually means my wife. Ehepartnerin is a formal neutral option.
Introduction
Das ist meine Frau, Sara.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Frau / Ehefrau
Say it
FROW / AY-uh-frow
/fʁaʊ/, /ˈeːəfʁaʊ/
FROW for Frau; AY-uh-frow for Ehefrau.
"Wife" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| meine Frau | my wife Everyday speech. | Everyday speech. |
| die Ehefrau | wife Clearer on forms and in careful speech. | Clearer on forms and in careful speech. |
| Ehepartnerin | spouse (female) Formal or neutral contexts. | Formal or neutral contexts. |
| Gattin | wife Old-fashioned or very formal. | Old-fashioned or very formal. |
How to use Frau / Ehefrau in real life
- 1Introduction
Das ist meine Frau, Sara.
This is my wife, Sara.
Meine Frau is the natural line.
- 2Office small talk
Meine Frau arbeitet von zu Hause.
My wife works from home.
Common life update.
- 3Official wording
Die Ehefrau muss auch unterschreiben.
The wife also has to sign.
Ehefrau on paperwork.
Mistakes English speakers make with Frau / Ehefrau
Incorrect: Meine Wife kommt später.
Correct: Meine Frau kommt später.
Use Frau or Ehefrau.
Incorrect: Das ist mein Frau.
Correct: Das ist meine Frau.
Frau is feminine: meine.
Good to know
Meine Frau can mean my wife even though Frau also means woman or Mrs. Context does the work. Younger couples may say meine Partnerin instead of Frau.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Inviting a couple to dinner
ChatPal
Bringst du deine Frau mit?
Are you bringing your wife?
You
Ja, meine Frau freut sich auf euch.
Yes, my wife is looking forward to seeing you.
ChatPal
Schön. Mag deine Frau scharfes Essen?
Nice. Does your wife like spicy food?
You
Mittel. Nichts zu scharf.
Medium. Nothing too spicy.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Wife" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Wife" in German
Is Frau always wife?
No. Frau also means woman or Mrs. Meine Frau in a couple context means wife.
When do I say Ehefrau?
On forms, in formal writing, or to avoid ambiguity.
How do you say ex-wife?
Die Exfrau or meine Ex-Frau.
What is the plural?
Frauen; Ehefrauen for wives.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
