die Maid
maiden
An old-fashioned or poetic term for a young, unmarried girl or young woman.
EXAMPLE
In alten Märchen rettet der Ritter oft eine holde Maid aus dem Turm.
In old fairy tales, the knight often rescues a fair maiden from the tower.
die Maid
maiden / maid
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Meanings
die Maid
maid
An old-fashioned term for a female domestic worker or servant.
EXAMPLE
Früher half die Maid der Hausherrin bei der täglichen Arbeit im Haushalt.
In the past, the maid helped the lady of the house with the daily housework.
Usage tips
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This word is old-fashioned and poetic. It is not used in modern everyday language. You find it almost only in fairy tales, poems, historical novels, or songs.
EXAMPLE
Der Dichter schrieb ein Gedicht über eine wunderschöne Maid am See.
The poet wrote a poem about a beautiful maiden by the lake.
Context clue
The context reveals the exact meaning. In stories about knights and princesses (m01), it refers to a young girl. In descriptions of historical households (m02), it refers to a servant.
EXAMPLE
Der Prinz verliebte sich in die junge Maid.
The prince fell in love with the young maiden.
Fixed expression
In the meaning 'junge Frau' (young woman), the combination 'holde Maid' (fair maiden) is a very well-known fixed expression. 'Hold' is also an old-fashioned word meaning 'schön' (beautiful) or 'anmutig' (graceful).
EXAMPLE
Im Märchen wird die holde Maid vom Drachen gefangen gehalten.
In the fairy tale, the fair maiden is held captive by the dragon.
Compare with
Maid vs Magd
maid
In historical texts, both words can refer to a female servant. Magd emphasizes servile, often physical work on a farm or in a household. Maid is more strongly old-fashioned or poetic and refers to a young woman or, less commonly, a domestic servant.
Maid
Im alten Roman bat die Maid den Burgherrn um Erlaubnis, das Haus zu verlassen.
In the old novel, the maid asked the lord of the castle for permission to leave the house.
Magd
Die Magd arbeitete auf dem Bauernhof von früh bis spät im Stall und im Haushalt.
The farm maid worked in the barn and around the household from morning until night.
In real life
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