das  Doppelbett

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdɔplˌbɛt/

🛌 What exactly is a Doppelbett?

Das Doppelbett (noun, neuter) refers to a bed that is wide enough for two people. It's the standard bed for couples or individuals who prefer more sleeping space. In English, it simply means a double bed.

• Article: das
• Meaning: A bed for two people.

There are no other meanings or articles for this word. The composition from "Doppel-" (double) and "Bett" (bed) makes the meaning very clear.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Doppelbett

The word "Doppelbett" is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). Therefore, the definite article is das.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Wir haben uns ein neues Doppelbett gekauft.
   (We bought a new double bed.)
2. Das Hotelzimmer war mit einem großen Doppelbett ausgestattet.
   (The hotel room was equipped with a large double bed.)
3. Passt das Doppelbett durch die Tür?
   (Does the double bed fit through the door?)
4. Die Matratze des Doppelbettes muss erneuert werden.
   (The mattress of the double bed needs to be replaced.)
5. Auf dem Doppelbett liegen viele Kissen.
   (There are many pillows on the double bed.)

💡 How to use "Doppelbett"?

"Doppelbett" is used in everyday language when talking about furniture (Möbel), sleeping (Schlafen), living (Wohnen), or hotel bookings (Hotelbuchungen).

• Typical Contexts: Furniture shopping, describing a bedroom, hotel reservations, discussions about sleeping comfort.
• Differentiation: It differs from das Einzelbett (single bed), das Ehebett (often used synonymously, but emphasizes use by a married couple - Ehepaar), or das Französische Bett (often slightly narrower than a standard double bed, with one continuous mattress).
• Compound Words: You might encounter terms like das Doppelbettzimmer (a hotel room with a double bed).

There are no common pitfalls or frequent errors in usage, as the word is very specific.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic (das): Think of "das Bett" (the bed) itself, which is neuter. Adding "Doppel-" doesn't change the gender of the base word "Bett". Many general, non-gendered items or concepts take 'das', and a standard bed fits this. Think: "Das is a simple Bett, even if it's Doppel."

Meaning Mnemonic: The word itself tells you: "Doppel-" sounds like and means double, and "Bett" means bed. So, it's a double bed! Easy peasy.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Doppelzimmer: (Double room) A hotel room, usually with one double bed or two single beds. Refers to the room, not just the bed.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Verkäufer im Möbelhaus: "Suchen Sie ein Bett für eine Person oder für zwei?"
Antwortet der Kunde: "Naja, meistens für eine Person... aber ich bin Optimist!"
Verkäufer: "Verstehe, dann empfehle ich das Doppelbett 'Hoffnung'!"

Translation:
The salesperson in the furniture store asks: "Are you looking for a bed for one person or for two?"
The customer replies: "Well, mostly for one person... but I'm an optimist!"
Salesperson: "I see, then I recommend the 'Hope' double bed!"

📜 Poem about the Doppelbett

Das Doppelbett, breit und weich,
Für Träume süß, dem Himmel gleich.
Zu zweit hinein, ganz eng und warm,
Oder allein, mit viel Platz im Arm. Das Ruhekissen, sanft und rein,
Läd't dich zum Schlummern selig ein.
Ein Möbelstück, für Nacht und Ruh',
Mach schnell die Augen friedlich zu.

Translation:
The double bed, wide and soft,
For dreams so sweet, like heaven aloft.
For two within, so close and warm,
Or else alone, with space on your arm.

The resting pillow, gentle, pure,
Invites to slumber, blessed and sure.
A piece of furniture, for night and rest,
Now close your eyes, be peacefully blessed.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich habe Platz für zwei, doch oft lieg' einer nur.
Man kauft mich für die Nacht, für süße Schlummertour.
Mein erster Teil verspricht Verdopplung, klar und rein,
Mein zweiter Teil lädt dich zum Ausruh'n ein. Wer bin ich?

Translation:
I have space for two, but often only one lies here.
People buy me for the night, for a sweet slumber-tour dear.
My first part promises doubling, clear and plain,
My second part invites you to rest again.

What am I?

Solution: das Doppelbett (the double bed)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

"Doppelbett" is a compound noun (Kompositum) made of:

• Doppel-: Prefixoid, derived from the adjective "doppelt", meaning "double" or "for two".
• Bett: The noun "Bett" (bed).

Cultural Notes:

The size of double beds can vary internationally. Common widths (Breiten) in Germany are 160 cm, 180 cm, or 200 cm. The standard length (Länge) is usually 200 cm.