das  Kinderbett

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkɪndɐbɛt/

🛌 What exactly is a Kinderbett?

A Kinderbett (noun, neuter) refers to a bed specifically designed for the needs and size of children. This can range from baby beds with bars (Gitterbettchen - cribs/cots) to smaller beds for toddlers and older children.

It's a compound word made up of:

• Kinder (plural of Kind - child)
• Bett (das Bett - the bed)

Since the second part of the compound ('Bett') is neuter (das Bett), the entire word is also neuter: das Kinderbett.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📖 Grammar Corner: 'das Kinderbett'

The word 'Kinderbett' is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). The article is 'das'.

Declension (Deklination)

Example Sentences (Beispielsätze)

• Das neue Kinderbett passt perfekt ins Zimmer. (The new child's bed fits perfectly in the room.)
• Wir suchen nach einem stabilen Kinderbett für unseren Sohn. (We are looking for a sturdy child's bed for our son.)
• Die Matratze des Kinderbettes muss bald erneuert werden. (The mattress of the child's bed needs to be replaced soon.)
• Im Möbelhaus gibt es viele verschiedene Kinderbetten zur Auswahl. (In the furniture store, there are many different children's beds to choose from.)

💡 How and when to use 'Kinderbett'?

The term 'das Kinderbett' is used in everyday language when talking about sleeping furniture for children. Typical contexts include:

• When furnishing a child's room (Kinderzimmer).
• When buying children's furniture (Kindermöbel).
• In conversations about children's bedtime or sleeping habits.
• In product descriptions and catalogs.

It's an umbrella term that can encompass various types of beds for children, e.g., das Gitterbett (crib/cot for babies) or das Juniorbett (toddler bed). It contrasts with das Ehebett (double bed) or das Erwachsenenbett (adult bed).

Sometimes people colloquially just say 'Bett' if the context is clear ('Bring das Kind ins Bett' - Put the child to bed). However, 'Kinderbett' emphasizes that it is a specific bed for a child.

🧠 Mnemonics for Article and Meaning

For the article 'das': Think of das Bett (the bed). The base word 'Bett' is neuter, and it stays neuter even when 'Kinder' (children) comes before it. The kid sleeps in das Bett.

For the meaning: Super easy! Kinder (children) + Bett (bed) = A bed for children. The parts of the word tell you everything.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Note: A Hochbett (loft bed) or Etagenbett (bunk bed) can also be a type of Kinderbett, but primarily describes the construction style.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum erzählt das Kinderbett keine Geheimnisse?
(Why doesn't the child's bed tell secrets?)

Weil es immer alles ausplaudert, wenn jemand darauf liegt!
(Because it always spills the beans (lit: blabs everything out) when someone lies on it!)
(Pun: 'liegt' means 'lies' as in 'is lying down', but sounds like 'lügt' which means 'tells lies')

✍️ Poem: In the Kinderbett

Im Kinderbett, so weich und klein,
(In the child's bed, so soft and small,)
schläft nachts das liebe Kinderlein.
(sleeps at night the dear little child.)
Träumt von Abenteuern, fern und nah,
(Dreams of adventures, far and near,)
bis Morgenlicht ist wieder da.
(until morning light is here again.)
Mit Teddy an der Seite,
(With Teddy by its side,)
gleitet's in die Traumensweite.
(it glides into the vastness of dreams.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich habe vier Beine, doch kann nicht gehen.
(I have four legs, but cannot walk.)
Bin kleiner als Große, wie du kannst sehen.
(I'm smaller than big ones, as you can see.)
Am Abend kuschelst du dich in mich ein,
(In the evening, you cuddle up in me,)
für süße Träume, ob groß oder klein.
(for sweet dreams, whether big or small.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?
(... Das Kinderbett / The child's bed)

🧩 Word Composition and More

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung / Kompositum):

• The word 'Kinderbett' is a typical German compound noun.
• It consists of the determining word 'Kinder' (plural of Kind - child) and the base word 'Bett' (bed).
• The gender (Genus) of the compound noun is always determined by the base word: das Bett → das Kinderbett.

Cultural Note: The Kinderbett is often a central piece of furniture in a child's room (Kinderzimmer) and symbolizes security, comfort, and the child's own place within the family.