das  Kabinett

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kabiˈnɛt/

🏛️ What exactly is a Kabinett?

The German word das Kabinett has several meanings:

• Politics: The group of the most important ministers in a government, who, together with the head of government (e.g., *Kanzler/in* or Prime Minister), conduct government business. Often referred to as *Bundeskabinett* (federal cabinet) or *Landeskabinett* (state cabinet).
• Room: A small, often private room or side room, historically used frequently for collections (e.g., art, curiosities) or as a study. Example: *Wachskabinett* (wax museum/cabinet).
• Piece of Furniture: A small, often ornately decorated cupboard or cabinet, usually with drawers and compartments, for storing valuable items.
• Wine: A quality level (*Prädikat*) for quality wines in Germany (*Kabinettwein*). It designates light, fine wines made from ripe grapes, typically with relatively low alcohol content.

🚨 Although there are different meanings, the article is always das.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'das Kabinett'

Das Kabinett is a neuter noun (*sächlich*).

Example Sentences

1. (Politics) Das Kabinett hat heute über den neuen Gesetzentwurf beraten.
   (The cabinet discussed the new draft law today.)
2. (Room) Im hinteren Teil des Schlosses befand sich ein kleines Kabinett mit Porzellanfiguren.
   (In the rear part of the palace, there was a small cabinet room with porcelain figures.)
3. (Furniture) Sie erbte ein wertvolles Kabinett aus dem 18. Jahrhundert.
   (She inherited a valuable cabinet from the 18th century.)
4. (Wine) Zum Dessert tranken wir einen leichten Riesling Kabinett.
   (For dessert, we drank a light Riesling Kabinett.)

🗣️ How to use 'Kabinett'?

• In a political context, "Kabinett" is a standard term for the council of ministers (synonyms: *Regierung*, *Ministerrat*). It's often used in news and political discussions. Example: *Die Kabinettsklausur findet nächste Woche statt.* (The cabinet retreat takes place next week.)
• As a room designation, it's more historical or used in specific contexts (museums, palaces) today. It implies a small, more intimate or special room, unlike a large hall (*Saal*) or a standard room (*Zimmer*).
• As a piece of furniture, it refers to a specific type of cabinet, often antique or valuable. It's not the same as a simple *Schrank* (cupboard/wardrobe) or a *Kommode* (chest of drawers).
• For wine, "Kabinett" is an official quality level (*Prädikatswein*) stated on the label, promising a certain lightness and quality.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'das Kabinett'

Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in "-ett" are neuter (*sächlich*): *das Ballett* (ballet), *das Bankett* (banquet), *das Buffet*... and also das Kabinett. Think of something small and neat – these are often neuter!

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine das Kabinett (the ministers) meeting secretly in a small Kabinett (room), admiring an old Kabinett (piece of furniture) while drinking a fine Riesling Kabinett (wine).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• der Schrank: General term for a large piece of furniture for storage, often for clothes (*Kleiderschrank*) or dishes (*Geschirrschrank*). A *Kabinett* is more specific and usually smaller/fancier.
• die Kommode: A lower piece of furniture, mainly with drawers (chest of drawers).

😄 A little joke

Fragt ein Minister den anderen nach der Kabinettssitzung: "Hast du den Beschluss verstanden?" Sagt der andere: "Verstanden nicht, aber ich bin absolut dafür!"

(One minister asks another after the cabinet meeting: "Did you understand the resolution?" The other replies: "I didn't understand it, but I'm absolutely in favour!")

📜 A Poem about the Kabinett

Im kleinen Kabinett, ganz fein,
Steht alter Wein, nicht nur zum Schein.
Die Minister tagen, Stunden lang,
Im andren Kabinett, mit ernstem Klang.
Beschlüsse fallen, schwer und sacht,
Ein Möbelstück wird auch bewacht.
So vielseitig, dieses Wort,
An manchem deutschen Ort.

(In the small cabinet, quite fine,
Stands old wine, not just for shine.
The ministers meet, for hours long,
In the other cabinet, with serious song.
Decisions fall, heavy and light,
A piece of furniture also guarded tight.
So versatile, this word you see,
In many places in Germany.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich kann regieren, Staat und Land,
Bin auch ein Möbel, wohlbekannt.
Ein kleiner Raum werd' ich genannt,
Und steh' als Wein oft am Kiosk bereit, charmant.

Was bin ich, mit 'das' stets zur Hand?

(I can govern state and land,
I'm also furniture, close at hand.
A small room is my name,
And as wine, I stand ready, playing a charming game.

What am I, always with 'das' commanded?)

Solution: das Kabinett

✨ More Interesting Facts

Word Origin: The word "Kabinett" comes from the French cabinet, which originally meant 'small chamber' or 'side room'. This, in turn, derives from the Italian gabinetto, a diminutive of gabbia ('cage', 'case').

Compound Words: There are several interesting compound words:

• Bundeskabinett/Landeskabinett: The federal/state government cabinet.
• Schattenkabinett: The shadow cabinet (the team presented by the opposition as a potential future government).
• Wachskabinett: A wax museum or collection of wax figures.
• Kabinettstück: A particularly artful, masterly achievement or object; a showpiece.
• Kabinettwein: The wine quality level.
• Kabinettsfrage: A question of confidence (where the government links its political fate to the outcome of a vote).