das  Handschuhfach

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhantʃuːˌfax/

🚗 What Exactly is a Handschuhfach?

Das Handschuhfach is the German word for a small, closable compartment in the dashboard of a car, usually on the passenger side. It's used for storing small items like vehicle documents (Fahrzeugpapiere), sunglasses (Sonnenbrillen), maps (Karten), or, historically, gloves (Handschuhe).

The article is always das: das Handschuhfach. There are no other articles or meanings for this word. It corresponds to the English "glove compartment" or "glove box".

🧐 Grammar at a Glance: Das Handschuhfach

The word "Handschuhfach" is a neuter noun (sächlich). Here is its declension:

💡 Example Sentences

• Kannst du bitte die Sonnenbrille aus dem Handschuhfach holen?
  (Can you please get the sunglasses out of the glove compartment?)
• Der Fahrzeugschein liegt immer im Handschuhfach.
  (The vehicle registration is always in the glove compartment.)
• Das Handschuhfach ist voll mit alten Karten.
  (The glove compartment is full of old maps.)
• Die Mechaniker überprüften auch den Inhalt des Handschuhfachs.
  (The mechanics also checked the contents of the glove compartment.)
• In modernen Autos sind die Handschuhfächer oft klimatisiert.
  (In modern cars, the glove compartments are often air-conditioned.)

🛠️ How to Use "Handschuhfach"

The term Handschuhfach is used almost exclusively in the context of motor vehicles (Kraftfahrzeuge). It refers specifically to the small compartment in the dashboard.

• Typical Use: When talking about the car, looking for items in the car ("Wo sind die Papiere?" - "Im Handschuhfach!" - "Where are the papers?" - "In the glove compartment!").
• Context: Everyday language, technical descriptions of cars, conversations at the mechanic's (Werkstattgespräche).
• Comparison: While "Ablagefach" (storage compartment) is more general and can refer to other compartments in the car (e.g., in the door), "Handschuhfach" specifically means the compartment in the dashboard opposite the passenger seat.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article "das": Think of das Auto (the car). The Fach belongs to the car, so: das Handschuhfach. Or imagine das Fach is a small thing, like many neuter nouns (often ending in -chen or -lein, though Fach doesn't).

Meaning: Break down the word: Hand-Schuh-Fach. Literally "hand-shoe-compartment". Historically, driving gloves (Handschuhe) were kept in this compartment (Fach). Forget the "Schuh" part for the meaning, it's just part of the word "Handschuh".

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar Sounding Words

No common confusions known, as the word is very specific.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Autofahrer einen Fisch im Handschuhfach?
– Für den Fall einer Fluss-Durchfahrt!

--- Translation ---

Why does the driver have a fish in the glove compartment?
– In case he needs to ford a river! (A pun: "Fluss-Durchfahrt" means crossing a river, but it sounds a bit like needing fish for the journey).

📜 A Rhyme for the Compartment

Im Auto, vorn, ganz ungeniert,
ist ein Fach, das jeder kennt und ziert.
Das Handschuhfach, klein und fein,
passt mancher Krimskrams dort hinein.
Papiere, Brille, alter Keks,
man findet alles, unterwegs.

--- Translation ---

In the car, up front, quite unabashed,
is a compartment known and often cached.
The glove box, small and neat,
fits many odds and ends, oh so sweet.
Papers, glasses, an old cookie's trace,
you find everything in this place.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Fach, doch kein Experte,
im Auto wohne ich, das ist 'ne Fährte.
Manchmal voll, manchmal leer,
gegenüber vom Chauffeur.

Was bin ich?... Das Handschuhfach

--- Translation ---

I am a compartment, but no expert keen,
In the car I live, a clue to be seen.
Sometimes full, sometimes bare,
Opposite the driver's chair.

What am I?
... The glove compartment (Das Handschuhfach)

🧩 Word Puzzle and Fun Facts

Word Composition

The word "Handschuhfach" is a compound noun (ein Kompositum), made up of three parts:

• Der Handschuh: Glove (literally Hand-Schuh = hand-shoe).
• Das Fach: Compartment or box.

Trivia

The name actually comes from the early days of motoring when drivers wore special gloves (Handschuhe) for better grip on the steering wheel and protection from cold or dirt. These gloves were often stored in this compartment (Fach).