Mädel

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German

Alternative forms

  • Madl (Austro-Bavarian)
  • Mädl (obsolete spelling)
  • Madel (Austro-Bavarian)

Etymology

Same as Mädchen with a different diminutive suffix.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈmɛːd(ə)l/, /ˈmeːd(ə)l/
  • Audio:(file)

Noun

Mädel n (genitive Mädels, plural Mädels or Mädeln or Mädel, diminutive Mädelchen n)

  1. (colloquial, central Germany and southern) girl (especially member of a group of female friends)
    Heut Abend treff ich mich mit meinen Mädels.
    Tonight I'm meeting up with my girls.

Usage notes

  • The plural Mädels is used chiefly in northern and central Germany, while Mädeln is used in southern Germany and Austria.
  • The unchanged plural Mädel is rare in contemporary usage.
  • This word is often used by adult women to refer to their adult friends, e.g. Mädelsabend for a ‘‘girls’ night out’’. This usage is found even in regions where Mädel is not otherwise used.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Further reading

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