die Zofe
lady's maid
A female servant who, in the past, personally attended to an upper-class lady, helping her with tasks such as getting dressed.
EXAMPLE
Die Zofe half der Gräfin beim Ankleiden.
The lady's maid helped the countess get dressed.
die Zofe
lady's maid
die Zofe, die Zofen
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Zofe, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Zofen |
| genitive | der Zofe |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Zofe | die Zofen |
| accusative | die Zofe | die Zofen |
| dative | der Zofe | den Zofen |
| genitive | der Zofe | der Zofen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Historical usage
Today, 'Zofe' (lady's maid) is mainly used in historical or literary contexts, such as a story set at a royal court. The word is rarely used in modern everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Im Roman begleitete die Zofe ihre Herrin auf jede Reise.
In the novel, the lady's maid accompanied her mistress on every journey.
Typical collocations
Common phrases include 'eine Zofe beschäftigen' (to employ a lady's maid), 'als Zofe arbeiten' (to work as a lady's maid), and 'jemandem als Zofe dienen' (to serve someone as a lady's maid). The upper-class person whom the maid serves is also often specified.
EXAMPLE
Die Herzogin beschäftigte eine Zofe, die ihr beim Frisieren half.
The duchess employed a lady's maid who helped her style her hair.
Court context
'Zofe' (lady's maid) often appears alongside terms such as 'Königin' (queen), 'Prinzessin' (princess), 'Gräfin' (countess), or 'Herrin' (mistress). The context then makes it clear that the word refers to personal service in the household of an upper-class woman.
EXAMPLE
Die Zofe der Prinzessin bewahrte deren Schmuck sicher auf.
The princess's lady's maid kept her mistress's jewelry safe.
In real life
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