das  Eigenheim

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈaɪ̯ɡn̩haɪ̯m/

🏡 What exactly is an 'Eigenheim'?

Das Eigenheim (noun, neuter) refers to a residential building, usually a single-family house (Einfamilienhaus), that is owned by the person or people living in it. It contrasts with a rented apartment (Mietwohnung) or a rented house (Miethaus).

At its core, it means "one's own home". It's often associated with the dream of living within one's own four walls, independent of a landlord. The term generally implies ownership, not just occupancy.

🚨 There are no different meanings based on the article, as Eigenheim is always neuter (das Eigenheim).

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Eigenheim

The word "Eigenheim" is a neuter noun. The article is always das.

Example Sentences

1. Viele Familien träumen vom eigenen Eigenheim im Grünen.
   (Many families dream of their own home in the countryside.)
2. Der Bau des Eigenheims hat länger gedauert als geplant.
   (The construction of the house took longer than planned.)
3. Mit ihrem neuen Eigenheim sind sie sehr glücklich.
   (They are very happy with their new home.)
4. Sie finanzieren ihr Eigenheim über einen Bausparvertrag.
   (They are financing their home through a building society savings contract.)
5. In dieser Siedlung gibt es hauptsächlich Eigenheime.
   (In this settlement, there are mainly owner-occupied homes.)

🗣️ When and How to Use 'Eigenheim'

The term das Eigenheim is primarily used in the context of residential properties that are owned. It's a common word in conversations about life goals, finances (property purchase, financing - Immobilienkauf, Finanzierung), forms of housing, and social status.

• Typical Contexts: Property listings (Immobilienanzeigen), bank meetings (Bankgespräche) for loans (Kredite), discussions about housing costs (Wohnkosten), dreams, and aspirations.
• Distinction: An Eigenheim is more specific than a Haus (house, which can also be rented) or a Wohnung (apartment/flat, which can be rented or owned). It emphasizes the ownership aspect. An Eigentumswohnung (owned apartment/condo) is also owned property, but it's specifically an apartment, not typically a standalone house.
• Connotation: Often carries positive connotations, associated with security, independence, family, and prosperity. Germans often speak of the "Traum vom Eigenheim" (dream of owning a home).

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article (das): Think of das Haus (the house) or das Heim (the home). Both are neuter. An Eigenheim is just a type of Heim, so it stays das.

For the meaning: Break down the word: Eigen + Heim. It's your own (eigen) home (Heim). Simple!

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

⚠️ Similar but Distinct Terms:

• Eigentumswohnung: An owned apartment or condominium (not a house).
• Wohnung: General term for apartment/flat, can be rented or owned.
• Villa: A large, prestigious owner-occupied house.

😄 A Little Joke about the Eigenheim

Fragt der Freund: "Und, wie gefällt dir dein neues Eigenheim?"
Antwortet der stolze Besitzer: "Super! Nur die Nachbarn sind komisch. Die schreien nachts immer 'Feuer! Feuer!'"
Freund: "Und was machst du dann?"
Besitzer: "Na, ich hole meine Gitarre und wir singen zusammen Lagerfeuerlieder!" 🔥🎸

Translation:
Friend asks: "So, how do you like your new home?"
The proud owner replies: "Great! Only the neighbors are weird. They always shout 'Fire! Fire!' at night."
Friend: "And what do you do then?"
Owner: "Well, I get my guitar and we sing campfire songs together!" 🔥🎸

✍️ A Rhyme for the Home

Ein Dach, vier Wänd', ein Garten klein,
das Eigenheim, so soll es sein.
Kein Mieterzins, kein fremder Herr,
hier lebt man frei und ohne Beschwer'.
Ein Lebenstraum, gebaut aus Stein,
im eigenen Haus, da ist man daheim.

Translation:
A roof, four walls, a garden small,
the own home, that's how it should be for all.
No tenant's rent, no foreign master's call,
here one lives freely, without any thrall.
A lifelong dream, built strong from stone,
in one's own house, one is truly at home.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe Mauern, Dach und Tür,
doch zahlst du keine Miete hier.
Ich gehöre dir, bin oft ein Haus,
mal groß, mal klein, ein wahrer Schmaus.
Man spart dafür oft Jahr um Jahr,
was bin ich wohl? Es ist doch klar!

Translation:
I have walls, a roof, and a door,
but you pay no rent here, that's for sure.
I belong to you, I'm often a house,
sometimes big, sometimes small, a real carouse.
People save for me often year after year,
what am I then? It's perfectly clear!

Solution: das Eigenheim (one's own home/house)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

Word Composition:

The word "Eigenheim" is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), composed of:

• eigen: Adjective meaning "own", "belonging to oneself".
• Heim: Noun (das Heim) meaning "home", "dwelling place".

So, literally, it means "own home" or "home that is owned".

Trivia:

The Eigenheimquote (home ownership rate - the percentage of households living in owner-occupied housing) is relatively low in Germany compared to other European countries.