01
der Herr
Mr.
A formal form of address for a man, often used together with the last name.
example
Guten Tag, Herr Müller, wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?
Good afternoon, Mr. Müller, how can I help you?
der Herr
gentleman / Mr.
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Special declension
'Herr' belongs to the N-declension. This means it takes the ending '-n' or '-en' in all cases except the nominative singular. A common mistake is forgetting this ending.
EXAMPLE
Ich spreche mit dem Herrn dort drüben.
I am speaking with the gentleman over there.
Word family
The word 'Herr' (gentleman / master / lord) is the root of other words related to power or control. These include the verb 'herrschen' (to rule) and the noun 'der Herrscher' (the ruler).
EXAMPLE
Der König herrschte über ein großes Reich.
The king ruled over a large empire.
Use as a form of address
When 'Herr' (Mr.) is used as a direct form of address with a last name, it appears without an article. In letters and emails, the formal salutation 'Sehr geehrter Herr...' (Dear Mr...) is common.
EXAMPLE
Sehr geehrter Herr Schmidt, anbei sende ich Ihnen die Dokumente.
Dear Mr. Schmidt, I am sending you the documents attached.
Fixed expressions
In the meaning of 'Gebieter' (ruler) or 'Meister' (master), 'Herr' appears in fixed expressions. Examples are 'sein eigener Herr sein' (to be one's own master) or 'Herr der Lage sein' (to be in control of the situation).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Umzug in die eigene Wohnung war er endlich sein eigener Herr.
After moving into his own apartment, he was finally his own master.
Context clue
You can recognize the religious meaning by the fact that 'Herr' (Lord) is often used with the definite article 'der' and without a name. In this context, the word is often capitalized even when it is not at the beginning of a sentence.
EXAMPLE
Sie vertrauen auf die Hilfe des Herrn.
They trust in the help of the Lord.
Compare with
Herr vs Mann
man
'der Mann' and 'der Herr' can both mean an adult male person. 'Mann' is neutral and common in everyday language. 'Herr' sounds more polite or formal, especially with a last name, for example 'Herr Schneider'. Without a name, 'der Herr' can also sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to male adults. In everyday life, people usually say 'Mann'; in forms of address, letters, or polite situations, 'Herr' is more common.
Herr
Heute ruft Herr Kaya wegen des Vertrags noch einmal an.
Mr. Kaya is calling again today about the contract.
Mann
Der Mann neben mir im Zug las die ganze Fahrt ein Buch.
The man next to me on the train read a book the whole trip.
In real life
Loading video examples...