das  Zimmer

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtsɪmɐ/

🚪 What does "das Zimmer" mean?

The word das Zimmer generally refers to an enclosed space within a building, intended for a specific purpose, usually living, sleeping, or working. It's a very common German word for 'room'.

• Main meaning: A room in a house or apartment (e.g., Schlafzimmer - bedroom, Wohnzimmer - living room, Kinderzimmer - children's room).
• Context: Often used when talking about living spaces, hotel rooms, or office spaces.

🚨 There are no other articles for "Zimmer" with different meanings. It is always das Zimmer.

📚 Grammar of "das Zimmer" in Detail

"Zimmer" is a neuter noun and always uses the article das. It has a special feature in the plural: the form stays the same, only the article changes to die.

Example Sentences

1. Nominative: Das Zimmer ist sehr hell und freundlich. (The room is very bright and friendly.)
2. Genitive: Die Größe des Zimmers ist beeindruckend. (The size of the room is impressive.)
3. Dative: Ich bin gerade in dem Zimmer nebenan. (I am currently in the room next door.)
4. Accusative: Wir müssen das Zimmer noch aufräumen. (We still have to tidy up the room.)
5. Plural Nominative: Die Zimmer im Hotel waren alle ausgebucht. (The rooms in the hotel were all booked.)
6. Plural Dative: In den Zimmern war es sehr ruhig. (It was very quiet in the rooms.)

🛋️ How is "das Zimmer" used?

"Das Zimmer" is a fundamental word used frequently in everyday life. Here are some typical contexts:

• Living: Talking about rooms in an apartment or house (Wohnzimmer, Schlafzimmer, Kinderzimmer, Badezimmer).
• Hotels & Travel: Booking or describing a hotel room (Ich brauche ein Einzelzimmer/Doppelzimmer. - I need a single/double room.).
• Work & Office: Referring to office spaces (das Chefbüro - the boss's office, ein Besprechungszimmer - a meeting room).
• General: Any defined room in a building (Wartezimmer - waiting room, Klassenzimmer - classroom).

Comparison with "Raum": While "Zimmer" usually refers to specific rooms for living or working, "Raum" (der Raum - the space/room) is more general and can also mean space or a more abstract area (e.g., "Platz für Verbesserungen" - Raum für Verbesserungen - room for improvement).

💡 Mnemonics for "das Zimmer"

1. Article Mnemonic: Think of das Haus (the house). Many rooms in das Haus are neuter: das Zimmer, das Bad (bathroom), das Büro (office). Also, nouns ending in '-er' derived from verbs are often neuter (from 'zimmern' - to build/frame).
2. Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone using timber ('Zimber' in Old High German) to frame a room. You need timber for das Zimmer. It's a neutral (neuter!) space you build.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "das Zimmer"

⚠️ Note: "Die Kammer" can be similar but often refers to a smaller, simpler room or storage room (chamber).

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Hotelgast den Portier: "Ist mein Zimmer schon fertig?" Sagt der Portier: "Nein, aber wir arbeiten mit Hochdruck daran. Die Wände sind schon tapeziert, jetzt zimmern wir gerade die Möbel zusammen!"

English: A hotel guest asks the porter: "Is my room ready yet?" The porter replies: "No, but we're working flat out on it. The walls are already wallpapered, now we're 'zimmern' (building/assembling) the furniture!" (Pun on Zimmer/room and zimmern/to build).

📜 A Poem about "das Zimmer"

German:
Ein Raum mit vier Wänden,
mit Tür und Fensterband.
Mal groß, mal klein,
soll gemütlich sein.
Ob Schlafen, Wohnen, Lachen,
man kann hier vieles machen.
Im Haus ein wichtiger Ort,
das Zimmer, immerfort.

English:
A space with four walls near,
with door and window clear.
Sometimes large, sometimes small,
should be cozy for all.
For sleeping, living, laughter bright,
you can do much with all your might.
In the house, an important spot,
the room (das Zimmer), like it or not.

❓ Riddle: What am I?

German:
Ich habe Wände, doch keine Ohren.
Ich habe eine Tür, doch kann nicht gehen.
Manchmal schläfst du in mir, manchmal lernst du nur.
Ich bin ein Teil vom Haus, auf jeder Tour.

Was bin ich? Lösung: Das Zimmer

English:
I have walls, but cannot hear.
I have a door, but cannot walk, my dear.
Sometimes you sleep in me, sometimes you only learn.
I am part of the house, at every turn.

What am I?
Answer: The room (Das Zimmer)

✨ Other Information

Word Origin (Etymology): The word "Zimmer" derives from the Old High German "zimbar", meaning timber or building. The verb "zimmern" (to build, especially with wood) is related.

Compound Words (Komposita): "Zimmer" is part of many compound nouns designating specific rooms:

• Wohnzimmer (living room)
• Schlafzimmer (bedroom)
• Kinderzimmer (children's room)
• Badezimmer (bathroom)
• Arbeitszimmer (study/office)
• Gästezimmer (guest room)
• Hotelzimmer (hotel room)
• Klassenzimmer (classroom)