das  Untergeschoss

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʊntɐɡəˌʃɔs/

🏢 What Exactly is 'das Untergeschoss'?

The German word das Untergeschoss (abbreviation: UG) refers to a floor or level of a building that is located entirely or partially below ground level. It's the part of the house 'under' the ground floor (Erdgeschoss).

• It can be used as a Keller (basement for storage), Souterrain (a basement level partially above ground, often with windows), or simply the lowest floor.
• Uses range from storage rooms and boiler rooms to underground parking garages and fully functional living or commercial spaces (like a basement apartment or a shop in the UG).

⚠️ Attention: Colloquially, people often just say "Keller", but "Untergeschoss" is the more precise term, especially in building plans or official descriptions.

🧐 Grammar Check: das Untergeschoss

The word "Untergeschoss" is a neuter noun, so the article is das. It declines as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Wein lagert im Untergeschoss. (The wine is stored in the basement/lower floor.)
2. Die Waschküche befindet sich im Untergeschoss des Mietshauses. (The laundry room is located in the basement/lower floor of the apartment building.)
3. Wir haben uns die Wohnung im Untergeschoss angesehen. (We looked at the apartment on the lower floor/basement level.)
4. Der Zugang zur Tiefgarage erfolgt über das zweite Untergeschoss. (Access to the underground parking garage is via the second basement level.)

🗣️ How to Use "Untergeschoss"?

"Untergeschoss" is primarily used in contexts related to buildings, architecture, and real estate.

• Formal/Technical: In blueprints (Bauplänen), real estate listings (Immobilienanzeigen), or technical descriptions, "Untergeschoss" is the standard term for floors below the ground floor (Erdgeschoss). Example: "Die Heizungsanlage ist im Untergeschoss untergebracht." (The heating system is housed in the lower floor/basement.)
• Everyday Language: Here, "Keller" is often used, especially for typical storage basements. "Untergeschoss" sounds slightly more formal or is used when referring to higher-quality spaces (e.g., a basement apartment, Souterrainwohnung) or to specify the exact location (e.g., in a shopping mall: "Die Toiletten sind im Untergeschoss." - The restrooms are on the lower level.).
• Abbreviation: On signs or plans, the abbreviation "UG" is commonly used (e.g., "Aufzug: EG, OG, UG" - Elevator: Ground Floor, Upper Floor, Lower Floor/Basement).

Compared to "Keller", "Untergeschoss" more generally refers to any floor below the ground floor, while "Keller" often implies it's primarily for storage and might not have full ceiling height.

🧠 Memory Aids

1. For the article 'das': Think of das Haus (the house). Das Untergeschoss is part of das Haus, specifically das foundation level or das lower floor. Many nouns ending in -geschoss (Erdgeschoss, Obergeschoss, Dachgeschoss) are neuter ('das'). They are all levels or 'shots' (like floors shot/built one upon another) of the house.
2. For the meaning: Imagine shooting (schießen - like 'Geschoss') a ball unter (under) the ground – it lands in the Untergeschoss (basement/lower floor).

"Down below, where foundations go, sits das Untergeschoss, nice and low."

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

🚨 Word of Caution: Although often interchangeable, "Keller" can be more specific (just storage), while "Untergeschoss" is more neutral and includes other uses (living, parking).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Geist Angst, ins Untergeschoss zu gehen?

Weil er gehört hat, dass es dort 'keller' ist als oben! 😉

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Why is the ghost afraid to go into the basement (Untergeschoss)?

Because he heard it's 'colder' (keller - sounds like Keller/basement) there than upstairs! 😉 (This is a pun on 'keller' sounding like 'kälter' = colder)

📜 A Rhyme for Untergeschoss

Tief im Haus, verborgen fast,
liegt ein Raum, der selten passt
ins helle Licht, ins Sonnenstrahl,
das Untergeschoss, ganz kahl?

Mal Keller nur, für Wein und Kram,
mal Wohnung auch, bequem und warm.
Stets unter 'Null', das ist der Clou,
das Fundament gehört dazu.

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Deep in the house, almost concealed,
lies a room that's rarely revealed
to bright light, to the sun's warm ray,
the Untergeschoss, bare today?

Sometimes just cellar, for wine and stuff,
sometimes dwelling, comfy enough.
Always below 'zero', that's the key,
the foundation's part, you see.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich liege tief, doch bin kein Grab,
hab oft kein Fenster, oder knapp.
Im Haus bin ich das Fundament,
ein Stockwerk, das man unten kennt.

Was bin ich?

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I lie deep, but am not a grave,
Often have no window, or just a wave (a small one).
In the house, I am the foundation base,
A floor known in the lower space.

What am I?

Solution: Das Untergeschoss

🧩 Word Building Blocks & Trivia

The word "Untergeschoss" is composed of:

• unter: Preposition/adverb indicating a position below something.
• Geschoss (das): Meaning floor, storey, or level of a building.

So, literally, it means the "under floor" or "lower storey".

Trivia: In some countries, especially English-speaking ones (like the US), the ground floor is often called the "first floor," while the floor above it is the "second floor." The German "Untergeschoss" often corresponds to the "Basement," the "Erdgeschoss" to the "Ground Floor" or "First Floor." This can be confusing in international comparisons. German floor counting starts with Erdgeschoss (EG), then 1. Obergeschoss (1. OG), 2. Obergeschoss (2. OG), etc., and below EG is the Untergeschoss (UG).