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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/de-herren

A restroom door says 'Herren'. Who is it for?

Herren marks the men's restroom.

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  1. Women
  2. Staff only
  3. Men ✔

Why: Herren is the plural of Herr, meaning gentleman, so it marks the men's restroom. The women's door says Damen, from Dame, meaning lady.

Huh, didn't know that: The full word for the men's room is Herrentoilette, built from Herr and Toilette.

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If you're American when you go in the bathroom and American when you come out, what are you in the bathroom? European.
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References

Answer: Men. Herren is the plural of Herr, meaning gentleman, so it marks the men's restroom. The women's door says Damen, from Dame, meaning lady.

  1. Wiktionary: Herr en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Herr
    (polite) man, gentleman
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. Wiktionary: Dame en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Dame
    lady (woman of good breeding and manners)
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. Wiktionary: Herrentoilette en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Herrentoilette
    From Herr ("man, gentleman") + -en- + Toilette ("toilet").
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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