das  Obergeschoss

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈoːbɐɡəˌʃɔs/

⬆️ What Exactly is 'das Obergeschoss'?

The German word das Obergeschoss (neuter noun, abbreviation: OG) refers to any floor or story of a building located above the ground floor ('das Erdgeschoss'). So, it's the upper floor or one of the upper floors.

In British English, this often corresponds to the 'first floor', as the 'ground floor' is the lowest level. In American English, the 'first floor' is usually the ground floor, making 'das Obergeschoss' equivalent to the 'second floor' and upwards.

The word is a compound of ober- ('upper', 'above') and das Geschoss ('floor', 'story').

⚠️ Be Aware: 'Das Geschoss' can also mean 'projectile' or 'bullet', but in the context of 'Obergeschoss', it always refers to the floor of a building.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: das Obergeschoss

The noun 'Obergeschoss' is neuter. Therefore, the correct article is das.

Example Sentences

1. Die Wohnung befindet sich im Obergeschoss.
   (The apartment is on the upper floor.)
2. Der Aufzug fährt nur bis zum dritten Obergeschoss.
   (The elevator only goes up to the third upper floor / fourth floor AmE.)
3. Vom Balkon des Obergeschosses hat man eine tolle Aussicht.
   (From the balcony of the upper floor, you have a great view.)
4. In den Obergeschossen sind die Büros untergebracht.
   (The offices are located on the upper floors.)

🏢 When to Use 'Obergeschoss'

The term Obergeschoss is used to describe floors above the ground floor ('Erdgeschoss'). It's a common term in architecture, real estate, and everyday language in German-speaking countries.

• Distinction: It's distinct from 'das Erdgeschoss' (EG, ground floor) and 'das Dachgeschoss' (DG, attic story/floor directly under the roof). A building can have multiple upper floors, numbered consecutively: 'erstes Obergeschoss' (1. OG), 'zweites Obergeschoss' (2. OG), etc.
• Context: You use 'Obergeschoss' when talking about residential buildings, office buildings, public institutions, etc.
• Alternatives: Synonyms like 'die Etage' or 'das Stockwerk' can often be used. For example, 'die erste Etage' or 'das erste Stockwerk' are often synonymous with 'das erste Obergeschoss'. However, 'Obergeschoss' specifically emphasizes the location above the ground floor.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic (das)

Think of the neutral word das Geschoss (meaning 'floor' here). Many structural or building-related nouns in German are neuter: 'das Haus' (house), 'das Stockwerk' (story), 'das Gebäude' (building). So, it fits that pattern: das Obergeschoss.

Meaning Mnemonic

The prefix Ober- clearly means 'over' or 'upper'. Imagine standing on the ground floor ('Erdgeschoss') and looking over your head to the floor above – that's the Obergeschoss.

↔️ Similar and Opposite Terms

Potentially Confusing Words

As mentioned, das Geschoss on its own can also mean 'projectile' (bullet). However, the context within 'Obergeschoss' makes the meaning ('floor/story') clear.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum wohnt der Geist am liebsten im Obergeschoss?

Weil er von dort besser spuken kann - er hat den Überblick! 😄

(Why does the ghost prefer living on the upper floor? Because he can haunt better from up there - he has the overview!)

📜 A Little Poem

Im Haus, da steig ich hoch hinaus,
Vorbei am Erdgeschoss-Applaus.
Wo Fenster blicken in die Welt,
Im Obergeschoss mein Zelt.
Hier oben ist die Luft oft klar,
Ein Stockwerk näher, wunderbar!

(In the house, I climb way up high,
Past the ground floor's applause, nearby.
Where windows gaze out at the world,
My tent in the upper floor unfurled.
Up here the air is often clear,
One story closer, wonderfully dear!)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin nicht ganz unten, nicht ganz oben unterm Dach,
Über dem Parterre lieg' ich wach.
Man zählt mich oft als 'Nummer Eins' nach dem Beginn,
Wo wohnst du oft, wenn Aussicht ist dein Sinn?

(I'm not right at the bottom, not quite under the roof,
Above the ground floor, I lie aloof.
I'm often counted as 'Number One' after the start,
Where do you often live, if a view captures your heart?)

Solution: Das Obergeschoss (the upper floor / the first upper floor)

ℹ️ Other Interesting Details

Word Composition

The word Obergeschoss is composed of:

• ober-: Prefix meaning 'upper', 'higher located'.
• Geschoss: Base word, meaning 'floor' or 'story' here (related to the verb 'schießen' in the old sense of 'shooting up'/growing rapidly in height).

Regional Differences / Floor Counting

Floor numbering can vary. In Germany, the ground floor ('Erdgeschoss') is level 0, and the first floor above it is the 'erstes Obergeschoss' (level 1). In some other countries (like the US), the ground floor is already the 'first floor'. However, the definition of 'Obergeschoss' in German is consistently a floor above the 'Erdgeschoss'.