der  Gasthof

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈɡastˌhɔf/

🏘️ What exactly is a Gasthof?

A Gasthof (der Gasthof, plural: die Gasthöfe) is a traditional German inn or guesthouse. Typically, it offers food and drinks, and often also provides rooms for overnight stays. You frequently find Gasthöfe in rural areas or smaller towns. They are often characterized by a cozy (gemütlich) atmosphere and regional cuisine.

Unlike a pure restaurant (Gaststätte), a Gasthof traditionally also offers lodging. Compared to a Hotel, a Gasthof is often smaller, more family-run, and more traditional.

The article is always masculine: der Gasthof.

📜 Grammar Spotlight: Der Gasthof

The noun „Gasthof“ is masculine and follows the strong declension pattern.

💡 Illustrative Examples

• Nominative: Der Gasthof "Zur Linde" ist sehr beliebt.
  (The inn "Zur Linde" is very popular.)
• Genitive: Die Speisekarte des Gasthofs bietet regionale Spezialitäten.
  (The menu of the inn offers regional specialties.)
• Dative: Wir kehren nach der Wanderung im Gasthof ein.
  (We stop at the inn after the hike.)
• Accusative: Sie suchen einen gemütlichen Gasthof für die Übernachtung.
  (They are looking for a cozy inn for the overnight stay.)
• Plural: Viele alte Gasthöfe mussten leider schließen.
  (Unfortunately, many old inns had to close.)

🗣️ How to Use "Gasthof"?

The term Gasthof is used to describe a specific type of establishment:

• Context: Mostly found in rural areas, villages, or small towns. Often a traditional building with a long history.
• Offerings: Focus on traditional, often regional cuisine (gutbürgerliche Küche). Drinks (beer, wine). Frequently includes room rentals.
• Atmosphere: Cozy (gemütlich), family-run, traditional, down-to-earth.
• Distinction from other terms:
  • Hotel: Often larger, more modern, more focused on accommodation, international standards.
  • Pension: Smaller, often only bed and breakfast, very family-like.
  • Gaststätte/Wirtschaft: Emphasis on food and drinks, not necessarily accommodation.
  • Restaurant: Can vary greatly (simple to upscale), purely focused on food and drinks.

You might hear phrases like "ein uriger Gasthof" (a rustic inn), "ein Landgasthof" (a country inn), or "ein Gasthof mit Metzgerei" (an inn with its own butcher shop).

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Gasthof"

For the article (der): Imagine DERrick, a male guest (Gast), needs a place, like a courtyard or farm (Hof), to stay. That place is der Gasthof. The masculine guest helps remember the masculine article der.

For the meaning: Think of a GAST (guest) needing a HOF (courtyard/farmstead -> inn) to rest, eat, and sleep. Gast + Hof = Gasthof.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Similar but distinct words:

• Bauernhof: (Farm) An agricultural operation. While some offer farm stays (Urlaub auf dem Bauernhof), they aren't classic inns.
• Hof: Can mean many things (courtyard, farm, court), but not directly an inn.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Ober im Gasthof: "Hat Ihnen das Essen geschmeckt?"
Antwortet der Gast: "Sagen wir mal so: Wenn das Schnitzel so laut gebrüllt hätte, wie es alt war, wären wir alle taub!"

Translation:

The waiter at the inn asks: "Did you enjoy the meal?"
The guest replies: "Let's put it this way: If the schnitzel had screamed as loudly as it was old, we'd all be deaf!"

✒️ Poem about the Gasthof

Müd' vom Wandern, Schritt für Schritt,
seh' ich Rauch, er zieht schön mit.
Ein Schild am Haus, aus Holz gemacht,
"Zum Hirsch", hat's mir zugelacht.

Der Gasthof ruft, mit Speis' und Trank,
Setz' mich nieder auf die Bank.
Ein kühles Bier, ein warmes Brot,
Vertreibt die Müh', lindert die Not.

Translation:

Tired from hiking, step by step,
I see smoke, drifting nicely yet.
A sign on the house, made of wood,
"To the Stag", it smiled as it stood.

The inn calls, with food and drink so grand,
I sit myself down on the bench at hand.
A cool beer, a warm loaf of bread,
Drives away troubles, eases the dread.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich hab ein Dach, vier Wänd' für dich,
Biet' Speis' und Trank ganz sicherlich.
Ein Bett zur Nacht steht oft bereit,
Besonders nach 'ner langen Reis'.
Man findet mich meist auf dem Land,
Bin allen Wand'rern wohlbekannt.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I have a roof, four walls for you,
Offer food and drink, it's certainly true.
A bed for the night is often there,
Especially after long travel and care.
You find me mostly in the countryside,
Well-known to all hikers, far and wide.

What am I?

Solution: Der Gasthof (The Inn)

ℹ️ Additional Information

Word Composition:

The word "Gasthof" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Gast (masculine): Guest - a person being lodged or served.
• Hof (masculine): Originally an enclosed space, often near a farmhouse; later also used for an estate or a larger lodging establishment (like courtyard, farmstead, or even court).

The combination thus describes a place (Hof) where guests (Gäste) are served and lodged.

Trivia:

Many Gasthöfe in Germany and Austria boast centuries of tradition and are often family-owned for generations. Their names are frequently very traditional, such as "Gasthof zur Post" (Inn at the Post Office), "Gasthof zum Hirschen" (Inn of the Stag), or "Gasthof zum Löwen" (Inn of the Lion).