das  Kinderzimmer

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkɪndɐˌtsɪmɐ/

🧸 What does "das Kinderzimmer" mean?

Das Kinderzimmer (noun, neuter) refers to a room in an apartment or house specifically designated for one or more children to sleep, play, and study. It translates directly to children's room.

It's a compound noun formed from:

• die Kinder (plural of das Kind) - children
• das Zimmer - room

Because the base word "Zimmer" is neuter (das Zimmer), the compound word "Kinderzimmer" is also neuter (das Kinderzimmer). There are no other articles or meanings for this word.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Kinderzimmer

"Kinderzimmer" is a noun with the neuter article das. It declines as follows:

Example Sentences:

1. Das Kinderzimmer ist bunt gestrichen. (The children's room is painted colorfully.)
2. Wir müssen das Kinderzimmer aufräumen. (We have to tidy up the children's room.)
3. Die Spielsachen liegen überall in den Kinderzimmern. (The toys are lying everywhere in the children's rooms.)
4. Die Größe des Kinderzimmers ist ausreichend. (The size of the children's room is sufficient.)
5. Sie spielt gerne in ihrem Kinderzimmer. (She likes playing in her children's room.)

🏠 When to use "Kinderzimmer"?

"Das Kinderzimmer" is used to describe the room primarily used by children. It's a very common word in everyday life, especially in contexts involving family, housing, and children.

• Context: Often used when talking about furniture (Möbel für das Kinderzimmer - furniture for the children's room), renovation, tidying up, or family life in general.
• Connotation: Can be associated with play, messiness, but also safety, comfort, and development.
• Distinction: Unlike a Spielzimmer (playroom, which is often only for playing), das Kinderzimmer is usually also the child's bedroom. A Jugendzimmer is a children's room for older children/teenagers.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the Article: The base word is "das Zimmer". Zimmer is neuter. Therefore, das Kinderzimmer is also neuter. Remember: Das is for das Zimmer of the Kinder (children).

For the Meaning: Very straightforward – a room (Zimmer) for the Kinder (children). Kinder + Zimmer = Kinderzimmer.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Be cautious with Kinderstube - it's rarely used literally for the room nowadays, more often figuratively ("eine gute Kinderstube haben" = to be well-mannered/well-brought-up).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt die Mutter ihren Sohn: "Warum ist dein Kinderzimmer eigentlich immer so unordentlich?" Antwortet der Sohn: "Weil ich noch im Wachstum bin, Mama. Ich brauche Platz zum Wachsen – auch im Chaos!" 😄

English: The mother asks her son: "Why is your children's room always so messy?" The son replies: "Because I'm still growing, Mom. I need room to grow – even in the chaos!" 😄

✒️ A Poem about the Kinderzimmer

German:

Im Kinderzimmer, hell und klein,
da zieht das Lachen fröhlich ein.
Mit Baustein, Puppe, Teddybär,
ist Spielen hier gar nicht so schwer.

Mal ist es laut, mal ist es still,
man tut hier, was man gerade will.
Ein Raum voll Traum und Fantasie,
so schön ist’s hier, wie selten wie.

English Translation:

In the children's room, bright and small,
laughter happily enters all.
With building block, doll, teddy bear,
playing here is beyond compare.

Sometimes it's loud, sometimes it's still,
one does here whatever one will.
A room full of dreams and fantasy,
it's lovely here, as rarely can be.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:

Ich bin ein Raum, doch nicht für Große fein.
Hier schlafen Kleine und spielen gern allein.
Mit Spielzeug voll, mal ordentlich, mal wild,
bin ich im Haus ein buntes, frohes Bild.

Was bin ich? ... Das Kinderzimmer

English Translation:

I am a room, but not refined for the tall.
Here little ones sleep and love to play with a ball (or: play alone).
Full of toys, sometimes tidy, sometimes wild,
I am in the house a colorful, happy child('s image).

What am I?
... The children's room

💡 Other Interesting Facts about das Kinderzimmer

Word Composition (Kompositum):

• Determinant: Kinder (plural of Kind - child)
• Base Word: Zimmer (das - room)

The German language loves compound words! The gender (grammatical article) of a compound noun is always determined by the last part (the base word). Since "Zimmer" is neuter (das Zimmer), das Kinderzimmer is also neuter.

Culturally, das Kinderzimmer is an important part of the home in many Western countries, intended to provide the child with their own space for development and privacy.