Frau vs. Madam — What's the Difference?

Used as a courtesy title in a German-speaking area before the surname or professional title of an adult woman. See Usage Note at miss2.

Madam (), or madame ( or ), is a polite and formal form of address for women, often contracted to ma'am (pronounced in American English and in British English). The term derives from the French madame (French pronunciation: ​[maˈdam]); in French, ma dame literally means "my lady".

A woman, especially a German woman.

Pl. Mes·dames (mā-dăm, -däm) Used formerly as a courtesy title before a woman's given name but now used only before a surname or title indicating rank or office

In Germany, a woman; a married woman; a wife; - as a title, equivalent to Mrs., Madam.

Used as a salutation in a letter

A married German woman; used as a title equivalent to Mrs. in English

Madam Used as a form of polite address for a woman

Madam The mistress of a household.

Madam A woman who manages a brothel.

A polite form of address for a woman or lady.

The mistress of a household.

(colloquial) A conceited or quarrelsome girl.

(slang) A woman who runs a brothel, particularly one that specializes in finding prostitutes for rich and important clients.

An irritable, conceited, or contemptous woman. (used as a general term of abuse).

(transitive) To address as "madam".

A gentlewoman; - an appellation or courteous form of address given to a lady, especially an elderly or a married lady; - much used in the address, at the beginning of a letter, to a woman. The corresponding word in addressing a man is Sir; often abbreviated ma'am when used as a term of address.

The woman who is in charge of a household.

The woman who is in charge of a brothel.

A woman of refinement;

A woman who runs a house of prostitution