das  Hotel

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/hoˈtɛl/

🏨 What does "das Hotel" mean?

Das Hotel (noun, neuter) refers to an establishment providing accommodation, typically on a short-term basis, for travelers and tourists. Hotels often offer additional services like restaurants, bars, conference facilities, or wellness areas.

It's an internationally used word derived from French (hôtel) and is firmly established in German.

There's only one article for this word, making it easy to remember: it's always das Hotel.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Hotel

The noun "Hotel" is neuter (sächlich) and uses the article "das". It follows strong declension patterns.

Singular Declension

Plural Declension

💡 Example Sentences

• Wir übernachten in einem schönen Hotel am Meer. (We are staying in a beautiful hotel by the sea.)
• Der Service des Hotels war ausgezeichnet. (The service of the hotel was excellent.)
• Kannst du mir den Weg zu dem Hotel zeigen? (Can you show me the way to the hotel?)
• Ich habe das Hotel bereits gebucht. (I have already booked the hotel.)
• In dieser Stadt gibt es viele moderne Hotels. (There are many modern hotels in this city.)

How is "das Hotel" used?

"Das Hotel" is used to describe a specific type of lodging establishment, typically characterized by a certain size, professionalism, and standardized service level.

• In travel contexts: Its most common use is when planning and describing trips and overnight stays. ("Wir suchen ein Hotel in Berlin." - We are looking for a hotel in Berlin.)
• Distinction: It differs from smaller or simpler accommodations like a Pension (guesthouse, often B&B), Gasthof (inn, often with a restaurant), or Jugendherberge (youth hostel), although the lines can sometimes be blurry. A Hotel generally offers more amenities.
• Categorization: Hotels are often classified by stars (Sterne) to indicate their standard (e.g., Drei-Sterne-Hotel - three-star hotel, Luxushotel - luxury hotel).
• Compound words: It forms many compound nouns (Komposita), such as Hotelzimmer (hotel room), Hotelbar (hotel bar), Hotelmanager (hotel manager), Hotellerie (the hotel industry).

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Hotel"

1. Article Aid (das): Many international loanwords ending in -el in German are neuter, like das Kabel (cable), das Kapitel (chapter), and also das Hotel. Think of the 'neutral', standardized feeling of a hotel room – it's functional, impersonal, hence das Hotel.

2. Meaning Aid: Imagine you need a place to stay. It's often quite an investment, a big **Ho**le in your budge**t**. -> Hotel. Or think of the purpose: A place **to tell** the reception your needs -> Hotel.

🔁 Synonyms & Antonyms for Hotel

⚠️ Similar Words (potential confusion):

• Motel: Typically located along highways, aimed at motorists, often with direct access from parking to the room.
• Hostel: Simple, budget accommodation, often with dormitory rooms, popular with young travelers (often used interchangeably with Jugendherberge).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Gast an der Rezeption: "Ist Ihr Hotel auch für Vegetarier geeignet?"
Antwortet der Portier: "Aber sicher! Wir behandeln jeden Gast gleich, egal was er isst!"

(Guest asks at reception: "Is your hotel also suitable for vegetarians?"
Porter replies: "Of course! We treat every guest the same, no matter what they eat!")

📜 Hotel Poem

Das Hotel, ein Haus auf Zeit,
Für müde Reisende bereit.
Mit Zimmer, Bett und Zimmerservice-Klingel,
Vergisst man schnell den Alltagsdingel.
Ob groß, ob klein, ob alt, ob neu,
Das Hotel ist vielen treu.

(The hotel, a temporary house,
Ready for weary travellers.
With room, bed, and room service bell,
You quickly forget the daily grind.
Whether big or small, old or new,
The hotel is loyal to many.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe viele Zimmer, doch wohne selbst nicht drin.
Ich biete Betten an, doch schlafe nie darin.
Man zahlt, um hier zu bleiben, doch ist es nie ein Heim.
Mal nah, mal fern auf Reisen – was mag ich wohl sein?

(I have many rooms, but don't live in them myself.
I offer beds, but never sleep in them.
You pay to stay here, yet it's never a home.
Sometimes near, sometimes far on travels – what might I be?)

Solution: Das Hotel (The Hotel)

✨ More Interesting Facts

• Etymology: The word "Hotel" comes from the French hôtel, which originally meant a large townhouse or mansion (compare Hôtel de Ville - city hall). Later, the meaning evolved to signify an inn for travelers.
• Internationalism: "Hotel" is a word understood in very many languages, highlighting its importance in international travel.
• Prefix "Hotel-": The word is often used as a prefix in German to describe services or objects associated with a hotel (e.g., Hotelküche - hotel kitchen, Hotelfachmann/Hotelfachfrau - hotel specialist (m/f), Hotelpool - hotel pool).