das  Fenster

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɛn.stɐ/

🖼️ What does "das Fenster" mean?

The German word das Fenster means window. It refers to an opening in a wall or roof of a building, vehicle, etc., typically fitted with glass or other transparent material to let in light and allow a view outside.

There is only one article for "Fenster", which is das (neuter). There are no other meanings associated with different articles.

🚨 Attention: Even though windows can be large, the article is das (neuter), not die (feminine).

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Declension of "das Fenster"

The noun "Fenster" is neuter (sächlich) and is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Nominative: Das Fenster ist offen.
   (The window is open.)
2. Genitive: Die Farbe des Fensters blättert ab.
   (The paint of the window is peeling off.)
3. Dative: Ich stehe an dem Fenster.
   (I am standing at the window.)
4. Accusative: Er putzt das Fenster.
   (He is cleaning the window.)
5. Plural Nominative: Die Fenster sind schmutzig.
   (The windows are dirty.)
6. Plural Dative: Vögel sitzen auf den Fenstern.
   (Birds are sitting on the windows.)

💡 Everyday Usage: How to use "das Fenster"?

"Das Fenster" is a very common word in German. Here are some typical contexts:

• In houses/buildings: People talk about opening (das Fenster öffnen), closing (das Fenster schließen), cleaning (das Fenster putzen) a window, or looking out of the window (aus dem Fenster schauen).
• Figurative use: Sometimes it's used figuratively, e.g., "ein Fenster zur Welt" (a window to the world - a way to learn more about the world) or "das Zeitfenster" (the time window - a limited period of time).
• Computers: In IT, "Fenster" refers to a rectangular display area on a screen (das Browserfenster - browser window, das Anwendungsfenster - application window).

Comparison with similar terms:

• Die Scheibe: Refers specifically to the pane of glass in the window. You can say "die Fensterscheibe" (window pane).
• Die Luke: A smaller opening, often on ships, roofs, or walls, not always containing glass (hatch, skylight).

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Fenster"

For the article (das): Think of das Haus (the house). Das Fenster belongs in das Haus. Or imagine a small child (neuter, "das Kind") looking curiously out of dem Fenster (dative).

For the meaning (Window): "Fenster" sounds a bit like the English word "fancy" combined with "stir". Imagine you have a fancy view you can see when you stir the curtains at the Fenster.

Alternatively, remember its origin from the Latin word fenestra – both refer to the opening.

🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms, and Similar Words

⚠️ Similar Words (Caution!)

There aren't any common German words easily confused with "Fenster" that have a completely different meaning for English speakers.

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir fünf Tiere nennen, die in Afrika leben?" Fritzchen meldet sich: "Zwei Löwen und drei Elefanten!" Lehrer: "Sehr gut, Fritzchen! Aber wie kommst du darauf?" Fritzchen: "Stand so auf dem Plakat im Reisebüro-Fenster!" 😉

English Translation: The teacher asks: "Who can name five animals that live in Africa?" Little Fritz raises his hand: "Two lions and three elephants!" Teacher: "Very good, Fritz! But how did you figure that out?" Fritz: "It said so on the poster in the travel agency window!" 😉

📜 Poem about the Window

Das Fenster

Ein Rahmen, klar und hell,
Verbindung schnell,
Zur Welt, die draußen liegt,
Wo Sonne siegt.

Das Fenster, still und rein,
Lässt Licht herein.
Ein Blick, ein kurzer Traum,
Im stillen Raum.

---

English Translation:

The Window

A frame, clear and bright,
Connection swift,
To the world that lies outside,
Where sunshine triumphs.

The window, silent and pure,
Lets light pour in.
A glance, a brief dream,
In the quiet room.

🧩 Riddle Time

German: Ich habe einen Rahmen, aber kein Bild.
Ich habe Glas, aber bin kein Trinkgefäß.
Ich lasse Licht herein, aber bin keine Tür.
Ich zeige dir die Welt, aber bin kein Fernseher. Was bin ich? ... Das Fenster

---

English Translation: I have a frame, but no picture.
I have glass, but am not a drinking vessel.
I let light in, but am not a door.
I show you the world, but am not a television. What am I? ... A window (Das Fenster)

✨ Interesting Facts about "das Fenster"

• Etymology: The word "Fenster" comes from the Latin fenestra, which also means "opening" or "window". It entered German via Old High German (fenstar).
• Compound Words: There are many compound words with "Fenster" in German, e.g.:
  • das Dachfenster (attic/roof window)
  • das Schaufenster (shop window)
  • das Kellerfenster (basement window)
  • der Fensterrahmen (window frame)
  • die Fensterbank (windowsill)
  • das Zeitfenster (time window/slot)
• Idiom: "Das Geld zum Fenster hinauswerfen" literally means "to throw money out of the window", i.e., to waste money.