das
Kissen
🛌 What Exactly is a Kissen?
Das Kissen (noun, neuter) refers to a soft bag, usually filled with feathers, foam, or other filling materials, used to support the head while sleeping (Kopfkissen) or as a comfortable base or decoration (Sofakissen, Zierkissen - sofa cushion, decorative pillow).
There is only one article for this word: das. There are no common mistakes regarding the article.
Article rules for der, die, and das
Deverbal nouns → immer neutral.
These are nouns derived from verbs. They are also called Verbalsubstantive or Verbalnomen.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Kissen
"Kissen" is a noun of the neuter gender (Neutrum). It is declined as follows:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | das | Kissen |
| Genitive | des | Kissens |
| Dative | dem | Kissen |
| Accusative | das | Kissen |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kissen |
| Genitive | der | Kissen |
| Dative | den | Kissen |
| Accusative | die | Kissen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Ich brauche ein neues Kissen für mein Bett.
I need a new pillow for my bed. - Das Sofa ist mit vielen bunten Kissen dekoriert.
The sofa is decorated with many colorful cushions. - Kannst du mir bitte das Kissen reichen?
Can you please pass me the pillow? - Die Füllung des Kissens ist sehr weich.
The filling of the pillow is very soft.
🛋️ How to Use "Kissen"?
"Das Kissen" is frequently used in everyday life when talking about sleeping comfort, home decor, or general coziness.
- Sleeping: The most important Kissen is often the Kopfkissen (head pillow) in bed.
- Decoration: Zierkissen (decorative pillows) or Sofakissen (sofa cushions) beautify living spaces.
- Comfort: A Kissen can also serve as back support or for sitting on the floor.
- Figurative meaning: Less commonly, "ein weiches Kissen" (a soft pillow) can metaphorically stand for a comfortable, worry-free situation (e.g., "sich auf seinen Lorbeeren ausruhen wie auf einem weichen Kissen" - to rest on one's laurels as if on a soft pillow).
It differs from die Polsterung (the upholstery/padding, e.g., of a chair) or die Decke (the blanket/duvet).
💡 Mnemonics to Remember
Article Mnemonic (das): Think of the English word "kit". A small travel pillow might be part of your sleeping kit. "Kit" sounds a bit neutral, like the neuter article das Kissen.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone kissing their soft pillow goodnight. "Kissing" sounds similar to "Kissen". So, das Kissen is the thing you might want to kiss goodnight because it's so comfy.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Kissen
Synonyms
- Das Polster: Often used synonymously, but can also specifically refer to firmer padding or upholstery.
- Das Kopfkissen: Specifically the pillow for the head in bed.
- Das Zierkissen/Sofakissen: Pillow for decoration.
⚠️ Similar sounding, but different words
- Die Kiste: Sounds similar, but means box/crate.
- Küssen: The verb meaning to kiss.
😄 A Little Kissen Joke
Warum hat das Kissen geweint?
Weil es immer nur auf die weiche Seite genommen wird!
Why did the pillow cry?
Because it's always taken on its soft side! (A play on words: 'auf die weiche Seite nehmen' can mean 'to take pity on someone / treat someone gently', but here literally 'taken/used on its soft side')
✍️ A Poem About the Kissen
Das Kissen, weich und wunderbar,
Ist jede Nacht für Träume da.
Es stützt den Kopf, so sanft und mild,
Ein treuer Freund, im Schlafesbild.
Ob bunt im Sofa, schlicht im Bett,
Ohne das Kissen wär's nicht nett.
The pillow, soft and wonderful,
Is there each night for dreams so full.
It holds the head, so gently mild,
A faithful friend, in slumber's wild.
Whether bright on couch, or plain in bed,
Without the pillow, much is fled (life wouldn't be nice).
❓ Riddle Time
Ich habe Federn, doch fliege nicht.
Ich trage Köpfe mit sanftem Gewicht.
Bin Freund der Nacht und der Gemütlichkeit.
Was bin ich, bereit für die Schlafenszeit?
I have feathers, but do not fly.
I carry heads with gentle weight, up high.
I'm a friend of night and coziness.
What am I, ready for sleepy bless?
Solution: Das Kissen (the pillow)
🧩 More Fun Facts
Word Origin: The word "Kissen" comes from the Old High German "kussin". It is related to the Latin "culcita" (mattress, cushion).
Types of Kissen: There are countless types, e.g., Nackenkissen (neck pillow), Reisekissen (travel pillow), Stillkissen (nursing pillow), Sitzkissen (seat cushion), Keilkissen (wedge pillow), Kirschkernkissen (cherry pit pillow), etc.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kissen?
The German word "Kissen" (pillow, cushion) is always neuter. The correct article is exclusively das Kissen. The plural is "die Kissen".