01
die Herzogin
duchess
A woman who holds the noble title of duke, either by birth or through marriage to a duke.
example
Die Herzogin von Sussex nahm an der Wohltätigkeitsveranstaltung teil.
The Duchess of Sussex attended the charity event.
die Herzogin
duchess
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
The word 'Herzogin' (duchess) is the feminine form of 'der Herzog' (duke). The ending '-in' is often used in German to form feminine terms for people. The vowel of the base word often changes to an umlaut in the process here: o → ö.
EXAMPLE
Die Herzogin besuchte die Ausstellung zusammen mit dem Herzog.
The duchess visited the exhibition together with the duke.
Use with 'von'
The title 'Herzogin' (duchess) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' (of/from) and a geographical name to indicate the territory ruled or the person's origin.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte der Herzogin von Alba ist sehr interessant.
The story of the Duchess of Alba is very interesting.
Register and style
This word belongs to a formal register and is mainly used in historical, noble, or fairy-tale contexts.
EXAMPLE
Im Märchen heiratet der Prinz eine wunderschöne Herzogin.
In the fairy tale, the prince marries a beautiful duchess.
Compare with
Herzogin vs Herzog
duke
'Herzog' and 'Herzogin' belong to the same noble title, but they differ in gender. A 'Herzog' is a man with this high title. A 'Herzogin' is a woman with this title, for example by birth or through marriage. The words can be confused because they look almost the same and refer to the same rank. Pay attention to the ending: '-in' shows the feminine form here.
Herzogin
Die Herzogin empfing die Gäste im großen Saal des Schlosses.
The duchess received the guests in the castle's great hall.
Herzog
Im Geschichtsbuch steht, dass der Herzog viele Jahre über das Gebiet herrschte.
The history book says that the duke ruled over the territory for many years.
In real life
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