Around Hannover, it is "de Deern" for a girl or young unmarried woman, which
looks more feminine than neuter to me.

In a message dated 12/11/00 5:53:58 AM Pacific Standard Time,
oertel@...-kiel.de writes:

<< Christian Bartel wrote:

> Kurt, isn't there the expression "das Dirn" in the dialect of your area?

Sorry, I've never heard that form before. I only know "das Dirndl" which
is a Bavarian garb for women ;-)

Cordially,

Kurt >>