In a message dated 2/27/2009 5:28:33 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: en" ending is used to signify that the person is a female. in is for female, which is not used anymore,very old fashion. when we talked few yrs back and told a story,we still used that form when we talked about a female who was absend "die Scheiblerin" = Frau Scheible meant this or that or she said..which no a days is a harsh description of a female. er for male..Herr Schneider .. **************Get a jump start on your taxes. Find a tax professional in your neighborhood today. (http://yellowpages.aol.com/search?query=Tax+Return+Preparation+%26+Filing&ncid=emlcntusyelp00000004)