das  Dachgeschoss

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdaxɡəʃɔs/

🏠 What exactly is a Dachgeschoss?

The German word Dachgeschoss (neuter, article: das) refers to the top floor or attic storey of a building, located directly under the roof (das Dach). It can be fully finished as living space (called a Dachgeschosswohnung) or serve as storage (more specifically called Dachboden).

The word only takes the article das. ⚠️ Don't confuse it with der Dachboden, which specifically means an undeveloped attic/loft space, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in colloquial German.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Dachgeschoss

The noun „Dachgeschoss“ is neuter. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Wir wohnen in einer gemütlichen Wohnung im Dachgeschoss.
   (We live in a cozy apartment on the top floor/attic.)
2. Der Ausbau des Dachgeschosses hat viel Zeit gekostet.
   (The conversion of the attic took a lot of time.)
3. Im Sommer kann es im Dachgeschoss sehr warm werden.
   (In summer, it can get very warm in the attic.)
4. Die Architektin plante zwei neue Fenster für das Dachgeschoss.
   (The architect planned two new windows for the top floor.)
5. Viele alte Häuser haben ungenutzte Dachgeschosse.
   (Many old houses have unused attics/top floors.)

🗣️ How "Dachgeschoss" is Used

The term Dachgeschoss is primarily used in contexts related to buildings, housing, and architecture:

• Real estate listings: Describing apartments or houses (e.g., "Helle 3-Zimmer-Wohnung im Dachgeschoss" - Bright 3-room apartment on the top floor).
• Architecture & Construction: Planning and describing building structures.
• Everyday language: When talking about where someone lives or where rooms are located ("Die Waschküche ist im Dachgeschoss." - The laundry room is on the top floor.).

It often implies a finished or potentially finishable space under the roof, as opposed to a pure Dachboden (attic/loft), which is often used only for storage. The perception of a Dachgeschoss can range from cozy and charming (with sloped ceilings and skylights) to problematic (heat in summer, cold in winter, sloped walls limiting space).

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Dachgeschoss"

For the article (das): Think of the component word Geschoss (floor, storey). Many German nouns ending in '-oss' referring to levels or projectiles are neuter: das Geschoss (projectile, storey), das Schloss (castle), das Floß (raft). So, it's das Dach-Geschoss. You could also think: 'It's just a thing, a storey, so **das**'.

For the meaning: Imagine you're shooting (schießen, relates to Geschoss) something off the **Dach** (roof). You must be on the top floor – the **Dachgeschoss**!

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Similar Words:

• der Dachboden: (Usually an unfinished or basic attic/loft space under the roof, often used only for storage. Article: der)
• das Geschoss: (Generally, a floor or storey of a building. Article: das)

😂 A Little Joke

Warum ziehen Informatiker gerne ins Dachgeschoss?

Weil sie dort die beste Cloud-Anbindung haben! 😉☁️

(Why do IT specialists like moving into the attic/top floor?
Because they have the best cloud connection there!)

✍️ Poem about the Dachgeschoss

Ganz oben, unterm Himmelszelt,
das Dachgeschoss, 'ne eigne Welt.
Mit Schrägen, Charme und viel Licht,
ist's oft ein trautes Angesicht.
Im Sommer heiß, im Winter kalt,
doch bietet's oft Geborgenheit und Halt.
Ein Blick weit übers Häusermeer,
hier oben wohnt man gern, fürwahr!

(Way up high, beneath the sky's tent,
the top floor, a world of its own.
With slopes, charm, and lots of light,
it's often a familiar sight.
Hot in summer, cold in winter's hold,
yet often offers comfort, brave and bold.
A view far over the sea of houses,
living up here is pleasant, it arouses!)

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin der höchste Raum im Haus,
seh oft wie eine Mansarde aus.
Direkt unterm Ziegeldach,
manchmal heiß, manchmal gemach.

Wer bin ich?

(I am the highest room in the house,
Often look like a mansard, neat as a mouse.
Directly under the tiled roof,
Sometimes hot, sometimes aloof.

Who am I?)

Solution: Das Dachgeschoss

✨ More Information

Word Composition:

The word "Dachgeschoss" is a compound noun, made up of:

• Das Dach: The roof of a building.
• Das Geschoss: A floor or storey of a building.

Together, it literally describes the "storey of the roof" or the "storey under the roof".

Cultural Aspects: Attic apartments (Dachgeschosswohnungen) are often considered romantic in Germany (artist studios, bohemian lifestyle), but can also be associated with less comfort (no elevator, extreme temperatures).