das  Doppelzimmer

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈdɔplˌt͡sɪmɐ/

🛌 What exactly is a *Doppelzimmer*?

A Doppelzimmer (noun, neuter) refers to a room in an accommodation establishment (like a *Hotel*, *Pension*, or *Gasthof*) intended for two people. It typically features one double bed (*Doppelbett* or *französisches Bett*) or two separate single beds (*zwei getrennte Einzelbetten* - often specifically called a *Zweibettzimmer*, which can be seen as a sub-type of *Doppelzimmer*).

It's the counterpart to an *Einzelzimmer*, which is meant for only one person.

🚨 There is only one article for *Doppelzimmer*: das. This is because the article is determined by the base word *Zimmer* (*the room*), which is neuter (*das Zimmer*).

🧐 Grammar in Detail: *Das Doppelzimmer*

The word *Doppelzimmer* is neuter. The article is always *das*. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Wir haben das Doppelzimmer für drei Nächte gebucht. (We booked the double room for three nights.) - Accusative Singular
• Der Preis des Doppelzimmers war angemessen. (The price of the double room was reasonable.) - Genitive Singular
• In dem Doppelzimmer gab es einen Balkon. (In the double room, there was a balcony.) - Dative Singular
• Die Doppelzimmer in diesem Hotel sind sehr geräumig. (The double rooms in this hotel are very spacious.) - Nominative Plural
• Kann ich bitte die Schlüssel zu den Doppelzimmern 304 und 305 haben? (Can I please have the keys to the double rooms 304 and 305?) - Dative Plural

🏨 When and how to use *Doppelzimmer*?

The term *Doppelzimmer* is used almost exclusively in the context of travel and accommodation. You encounter it when:

• Booking hotels: "Ich möchte bitte ein Doppelzimmer reservieren." (I would like to reserve a double room, please.)
• Travel descriptions: "Im Preis enthalten sind 7 Übernachtungen im Doppelzimmer mit Frühstück." (Included in the price are 7 nights in a double room with breakfast.)
• Room feature descriptions: "Alle Doppelzimmer verfügen über Bad/WC, Föhn und TV." (All double rooms have a bathroom/WC, hairdryer, and TV.)

Outside of travel or hotel stays, the word is rarely used in everyday life. You wouldn't typically say "*Ich habe ein Doppelzimmer in meiner Wohnung*" (*I have a double room in my apartment*); you'd more likely say *Schlafzimmer* (*bedroom*) or *Gästezimmer* (*guest room*).

Distinction:

• Doppelzimmer: Generic term for a room for two people.
• Zweibettzimmer: Specific type of *Doppelzimmer* with two separate beds (*twin room*).
• Einzelzimmer: Room for one person (*single room*).

🧠 How to Remember *das Doppelzimmer*

Article Mnemonic: The base word is *Zimmer*. What's the article for *Zimmer*? That's right, das Zimmer. So, it's also das Doppelzimmer. *Easy peasy!*

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine double the people (two instead of one) fitting into the room – that makes it a Doppelzimmer. *Think 'double occupancy room'.* ✌️🧍🧍‍♀️

🔁 Similar and Opposite Terms

Related Terms (Distinctions)

• Suite: Larger accommodation unit in a hotel, often with separate living and sleeping areas.
• Familienzimmer: Room for more than two people, often with extra beds or sofa beds (*family room*).
• Appartement/Ferienwohnung: Accommodation with cooking facilities (*apartment/holiday flat*).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Hotelgast an der Rezeption: "Ist das Doppelzimmer eigentlich schalldicht?"
Der Rezeptionist: "Das hoffen wir doch sehr für die anderen Gäste!"

Translation: A hotel guest asks at the reception: "Is the double room soundproof?"
The receptionist replies: "We certainly hope so for the other guests!"

✍️ A Little Poem

Für zwei Personen soll es sein,
nicht riesig groß, nicht winzig klein.
Im Urlaub, traut und Hand in Hand,
wird es als Doppelzimmer gern genannt.
Mit Bett für zwei, mal breit, mal schmal,
ist es die erste Wahl.

Translation:
It should be for two people,
not huge, not tiny.
On holiday, cozy and hand in hand,
it's gladly called a *Doppelzimmer* across the land.
With a bed for two, sometimes wide, sometimes narrow,
it's the primary choice, dispelling sorrow.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich biete Platz für dich und mich,
im Urlaub bin ich sicherlich
beliebter als mein Vetter "Einzel".
Buche mich schnell, bevor ich klein werd' und ganz reinzel... 😉
Was bin ich?

Translation:
I offer space for you and me,
On holiday, I certainly guarantee
More popularity than cousin "Single".
Book me quick, before I shrink and tingle... 😉
What am I?

Solution: Das Doppelzimmer (The double room)

💡 More Tidbits

Word Composition:

The word *Doppelzimmer* is a compound noun, composed of:

• doppel: *Adjective, meaning "double" or "for two".*
• das Zimmer: *Noun, neuter, meaning "room" (in a building).*

The neuter article *das* is inherited from the base word *Zimmer*.

Abbreviation:

In booking systems and price lists, *Doppelzimmer* is often abbreviated as DZ.