die Jungfer
old maid
An older unmarried woman who is considered stiff or prudish; the word is derogatory or mocking and obsolete today.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Jungfer lebte allein in dem kleinen Haus.
The old maid lived alone in the small house.
die Jungfer
old maid / lady's maid / maiden
die Jungfer, die Jungfern
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Meanings
die Jungfer
lady's maid
A female servant, especially in earlier times and usually in an upper-class household.
EXAMPLE
Die Jungfer brachte der Herrin das Frühstück ans Bett.
The lady's maid brought her mistress breakfast in bed.
die Jungfer
maiden
A young unmarried woman; the word is obsolete and often appears before a first name.
EXAMPLE
Der Graf verneigte sich vor Jungfer Martha und bat sie um einen Tanz.
The count bowed to Maiden Martha and asked her to dance.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Jungfer, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Jungfern |
| genitive | der Jungfer |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Jungfer | die Jungfern |
| accusative | die Jungfer | die Jungfern |
| dative | der Jungfer | den Jungfern |
| genitive | der Jungfer | der Jungfern |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Register and style
'Jungfer' (maiden / maid) sounds mostly old-fashioned, literary, or humorous when referring to a person today. The word is now found almost exclusively in historical or literary texts and fairy tales.
EXAMPLE
In dem historischen Roman arbeitet eine Jungfer im Haushalt der Gräfin.
In the historical novel, a maid works in the countess's household.
Fixed expression
The expression 'alte Jungfer' (old maid) is a fixed expression that usually sounds derogatory or humorous today. It should therefore be used with care.
EXAMPLE
Im Roman wird die Nachbarin als alte Jungfer beschrieben.
In the novel, the neighbor is described as an old maid.
Historical context
The meaning 'lady's maid' can often be recognized from words associated with an earlier household, such as 'Herrin' (mistress), 'Haushalt' (household), or 'Frühstück bringen' (to bring breakfast). This usage is found especially in historical narratives.
EXAMPLE
Die Jungfer wartete im Flur, bis ihre Herrin nach ihr rief.
The lady's maid waited in the hall until her mistress called for her.
In real life
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