der
Kellerraum
🚪 What exactly is a Kellerraum?
A Kellerraum (der, masculine) refers to a single, separate room within the cellar or basement (der Keller) of a building. Unlike the general term 'Keller', which can mean the entire underground area, 'Kellerraum' specifically refers to a room there.
Typically, Kellerräume (plural) are used for storage (Lagerung), as a laundry room (Waschküche), hobby room (Hobbyraum), or sometimes even as additional living space. Because it's a type of room (Raum), it takes the masculine article: der Raum → der Kellerraum.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-aum → always masculine.
Caution: 'der Raum' but 'das Zimmer'
🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Kellerraum
The noun 'Kellerraum' is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
Declension Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der Kellerraum | ein Kellerraum |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des Kellerraumes / Kellerraums | eines Kellerraumes / Kellerraums |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem Kellerraum(e) | einem Kellerraum(e) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den Kellerraum | einen Kellerraum |
Declension Plural
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Kellerräume | Kellerräume |
| Genitive | der Kellerräume | Kellerräume |
| Dative | den Kellerräumen | Kellerräumen |
| Accusative | die Kellerräume | Kellerräume |
💡 Example Sentences
- Der Kellerraum ist kühl und dunkel.
(The basement room is cool and dark.) - Wir lagern alte Möbel im Kellerraum.
(We store old furniture in the basement room.) - Die Tür des Kellerraumes klemmt.
(The door of the basement room is jammed.) - Er hat sich einen Kellerraum als Werkstatt eingerichtet.
(He has set up a basement room as a workshop.) - Die meisten Wohnungen haben eigene Kellerräume.
(Most apartments have their own basement rooms.)
🛠️ How to use 'Kellerraum'
The term Kellerraum is used to name a specific room in the basement level. Here are some typical contexts:
- Storage (Lagerung): Very commonly used for storing things not needed daily (e.g., winter tires, suitcases, provisions).
- Utility Room (Funktionsraum): Often used as a laundry room (Waschküche), boiler room (Heizungsraum), or workshop (Werkstatt).
- Hobby Room (Hobbyraum): Some people set up their Kellerraum as a hobby room, fitness room, or party cellar (Partykeller).
⚠️ Important Distinction: 'Der Keller' often refers to the entire basement area of a house, while 'der Kellerraum' means a single, often lockable room within it. In apartment buildings (Mehrfamilienhäuser), each party often has their own assigned Kellerraum.
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Remembering the article: Think of Raum (room/space). Which article does Raum have? Der Raum. Therefore, it's also: der Kellerraum. Think of 'der' like 'the strong' - a basement room is a strong, defined space.
Remembering the meaning: It's simple! It's a Raum (room) in the Keller (cellar/basement). Break down the word: Keller + Raum. Where is the room? In the Keller! A Kellerraum.
🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Kellerzimmer: Very similar, emphasizes the 'room' aspect.
- Kellerabteil: Often used in apartment buildings, emphasizes the partitioned-off section.
- Lagerraum (im Keller): Emphasizes the storage function (storage room in the basement).
- Untergeschossraum: More technical term for a room in the basement/lower ground floor.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Dachbodenraum: An attic room.
- Zimmer (im Obergeschoss): A room on the upper floors.
- Wohnraum: Living space, usually not in the basement.
Risk of Confusion:
- Keller (der): Refers to the entire basement area, not just a single room. Example: "Ich gehe in den Keller." (I'm going to the basement.) vs. "Ich gehe in meinen Kellerraum." (I'm going into my basement room.)
- Abstellraum (der): A storage room, which can be anywhere in the house, not necessarily in the basement.
😄 A Little Cellar Joke
Warum nehmen Skelette nie etwas aus dem Kellerraum mit hoch?
Weil sie keinen Körper haben, um es zu tragen! 😉
(Why do skeletons never bring anything up from the basement room? Because they have no body to carry it!)
📜 A Poem about the Kellerraum
Tief im Haus, kühl und meist schummrig,
liegt der Kellerraum, oft kummrig?
Nein, voll Schätze, alt und neu,
Fahrrad, Wein und Spielzeugtreu'.
Manchmal Werkstatt, manchmal Stille, (Deep in the house, cool and often dim, Sometimes workshop, sometimes quiet,
lies the basement room, often looking grim?
No, full of treasures, old and new,
Bicycle, wine, and faithful toys too.
it fills its own unique shell.
A room for things that disturb upstairs,
a place that quietly belongs to the house.)
🧩 Riddle Time
Ich liege tief, bin selten licht,
bin Teil des Kellers, doch ein Raum für sich.
Man lagert hier, was grad nicht passt,
und schließt mich ab, oft ohne Hast.
Was bin ich?
(I lie deep, am rarely bright,
Part of the cellar, but a room in my own right.
People store here what doesn't fit right now,
And lock me up, often without much row.
What am I?)
Solution: Der Kellerraum (The basement room)
💡 Other Interesting Info
Word Composition:
The word 'Kellerraum' is a compound noun, made up of:
Cultural Significance: In Germany, almost every single-family house or apartment building has a cellar (Keller), and consequently Kellerräume. They are an integral part of housing culture and often serve as crucial storage space, which is particularly valued in densely populated areas.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kellerraum?
The word 'Kellerraum' is masculine. The correct article is der Kellerraum. The plural is die Kellerräume.