das  Nebengebäude

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈneːbənɡəˌbɔʏ̯də/

🏛️ What exactly is a Nebengebäude?

A Nebengebäude is a building located on the same property as a main building (Hauptgebäude), but is subordinate to it in terms of space and function. It often serves supplementary purposes such as storage, as a workshop (Werkstatt), garage (Garage), or guest accommodation (Gästeunterkunft).

It's important to note that it always uses the article das (neuter). There are no other articles for this word.

• Example: Die alte Scheune dient als Nebengebäude für Gartengeräte. (The old barn serves as an outbuilding for garden tools.)

🧐 Grammar of 'das Nebengebäude'

The noun „Nebengebäude“ is neuter. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

• Das Nebengebäude braucht ein neues Dach. (The annex needs a new roof.)
• Der Zustand des Nebengebäudes ist besorgniserregend. (The condition of the outbuilding is worrying.)
• Im Nebengebäude lagern wir das Brennholz. (We store the firewood in the outbuilding.)
• Wir wollen die alten Nebengebäude abreißen. (We want to demolish the old outbuildings.)

💡 How is Nebengebäude used?

The term Nebengebäude is primarily used in the context of real estate, architecture, and construction.

• Context: Describes additional, separate buildings on a property (e.g., Garage, Schuppen (shed), Gartenhaus (garden house), Werkstatt (workshop), Stall (stable)).
• Distinction: An Anbau (extension/annex) is usually directly connected to the main building, whereas a Nebengebäude typically stands separately.
• Function: Its function is subordinate to the main building (not primary living space, except perhaps as a guest house).

It's a more formal term than, for example, „Schuppen“ or „Gartenlaube“, but is frequently used in official descriptions or building applications.

🧠 Mnemonics for Nebengebäude

Article Mnemonic: Remember that Gebäude (building) is neuter (das Gebäude). So, the NEBEN-Gebäude (next-to-building) is also neuter: das Nebengebäude. Think of 'das Haus', 'das Gebäude' – the structure itself tends to be neuter in German.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of it standing 'neben' (next to) the main building, playing a 'Nebenrolle' (supporting role). It's not the main attraction, but something extra on the property.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Not every small structure is a Nebengebäude in the formal sense. A freestanding mailbox (Briefkasten), for example, is not a Nebengebäude.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat das Hauptgebäude das Nebengebäude zum Essen eingeladen?
Weil es nicht wollte, dass es sich „nebenan“ fühlt! 😄

(Why did the main building invite the annex for dinner? Because it didn't want it to feel 'left out' / 'next door'!)

📜 Poem about the Nebengebäude

Im Garten, still und etwas klein,
steht oft ein Haus, nicht ganz allein.
Es dient dem Zweck, ist praktisch sehr,
bringt Stauraum oder Werkzeug her.
Dem Haupthaus steht es treu zur Seit',
das Nebengebäude, für Arbeit und Freizeit.

(In the garden, quiet and rather small,
Often stands a house, not lonely after all.
It serves a purpose, practical and grand,
Brings storage space or tools to hand.
Beside the main house, loyal and true,
The outbuilding, for work and leisure too.)

❓ Riddle

Ich steh' im Garten oder Hof,
bin nicht das Haus, doch trotzdem doof
wär's ohne mich für Werkzeug, Rad.
Ein eigner Bau, auf gleichem Pfad
wie's große Haus, doch untertan.
Wie nennt man mich? Denk mal daran!

(I stand in the garden or the yard,
I'm not the house, but life would be hard
Without me for tools, or bike maybe.
A structure own, on the same property
As the big house, but second in line.
What am I called? Recall the sign!)

Solution: Das Nebengebäude (the outbuilding/annex)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word „Nebengebäude“ is a compound noun, composed of:

• Neben-: Prefix indicating a secondary, additional, or adjacent position (like 'next to', 'secondary', 'auxiliary').
• Gebäude: Base word meaning 'building'.

This composition highlights its subordinate or additional function relative to the main building.

Trivia:

In development plans (Bebauungspläne) and building codes (Bauordnungen) in Germany, there are often specific regulations for Nebengebäude, concerning aspects like size, distance to the main building, or property lines.