der  Koffer

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkɔfɐ/

🧳 What exactly is a Koffer?

A Koffer (article: der) is a sturdy, usually rectangular container for transporting clothes and other travel items. Its purpose is to move luggage safely and tidily from one place to another.

Typically, a Koffer has a handle and often wheels (in which case it's often called a Rollkoffer) for easier transport. They come in various sizes, materials (e.g., Hartschale - hard shell, Weichschale - soft shell), and designs.

⚠️ Attention: Although similar, a Reisetasche (travel bag) is often softer and less rigid than a Koffer.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Koffer

The word "Koffer" is a masculine noun. The article is der.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

• Der Koffer steht neben der Tür. (The suitcase is next to the door.)
• Ich habe den Inhalt des Koffers überprüft. (I checked the contents of the suitcase.)
• Gibst du bitte dem Koffer einen Aufkleber? (Could you please put a sticker on the suitcase?)
• Ich packe den Koffer für den Urlaub. (I am packing the suitcase for the vacation.)
• Wo sind die Koffer für unsere Reise? (Where are the suitcases for our trip?)

💡 When to use "Koffer"?

"Koffer" is mainly used in the context of travel and transport.

• Travel: When packing clothes and personal items for a trip. Example: "Ich muss noch meinen Koffer packen." (I still need to pack my suitcase.)
• Transport: When transporting pieces of luggage at the airport, train station, or in the car (see also Kofferraum - car trunk/boot). Example: "Der Koffer ist sehr schwer." (The suitcase is very heavy.)
• Storage: Sometimes suitcases are also used for storing things that are not regularly needed.

Typical word combinations:

• einen Koffer packen/auspacken (to pack/unpack a suitcase)
• einen Koffer tragen/ziehen (to carry/pull a suitcase)
• ein voller/leerer/schwerer/leichter Koffer (a full/empty/heavy/light suitcase)
• Hartschalenkoffer, Weichschalenkoffer, Rollkoffer, Handgepäckkoffer (hard-shell, soft-shell, trolley, carry-on suitcase)

Figuratively, "einen Koffer in Berlin haben" (to have a suitcase in Berlin) means having a special connection to the city or seeing it as a second home (from a famous song).

🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids

Mnemonic for the Article (der):

Imagine a strong man (der Mann) carrying the heavy suitcase (den Koffer). Masculine nouns often take 'der', so it's der Koffer.

Mnemonic for the Meaning (Suitcase):

A Koffer is something you use when you travel far off, maybe even taking a 'chopper' (helicopter)? Sounds a bit like Koffer. Or think of 'covering' your stuff inside the Koffer.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

Potentially Confusing Words:

• Korb: Basket, usually woven and open at the top, used for different purposes.
• Kiste: Box/crate, usually made of wood or cardboard, often for storage or shipping goods.

😂 A Little Joke

Zollbeamte: "Haben Sie etwas zu verzollen?"
Reisender: "Nein, nur meinen Koffer."
Zollbeamte: "Und was ist im Koffer?"
Reisender: "Kleidung."
Zollbeamte: "Sonst nichts?"
Reisender: "Okay, okay... am Boden ist noch ein doppelter Boden."
Zollbeamte: "Aha! Und was ist unter dem doppelten Boden?"
Reisender: "Noch ein Koffer!"

Translation:

Customs Officer: "Anything to declare?"
Traveler: "No, just my suitcase."
Customs Officer: "And what's in the suitcase?"
Traveler: "Clothes."
Customs Officer: "Nothing else?"
Traveler: "Okay, okay... there's a false bottom."
Customs Officer: "Aha! And what's under the false bottom?"
Traveler: "Another suitcase!"

✍️ Poetry about the Koffer

Der Reisekoffer

Der Koffer steht bereit, noch leer,
die Reise lockt, ich will ans Meer.
Hemden, Hosen, Socken rein,
bald werd' ich weit weg sein.

Er schließt mit Klick, ist voll und schwer,
mein treuer Begleiter, bitte sehr!
Auf Rollen leis', durch Stadt und Land,
hält er mein Hab und Gut instand.

Translation:

The Suitcase

The suitcase waits, still empty now,
The journey calls, to sea I vow.
Shirts and trousers, socks inside,
Soon far away I will reside.

It clicks shut, full and heavy, too,
My loyal friend, thank you, thank you!
On wheels so quiet, through town and lea,
It keeps my belongings safe for me.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich habe einen Griff, manchmal auch Rollen,
damit Reisende mich leicht transportieren sollen.
Ich schlucke Kleidung, Schuhe und noch mehr,
und reise mit dir kreuz und quer.

Was bin ich?

Translation:

I have a handle, sometimes wheels too,
So travelers can easily move me through.
I swallow clothes, shoes, and much more,
And travel with you near and far.

What am I? (... Ein Koffer / A suitcase)

✨ More about the Koffer

• Etymology: The word "Koffer" likely comes from the French word "coffre", which originally meant "chest" or "box".
• Kofferraum: The storage space for luggage in a car is called "Kofferraum" (trunk/boot) because people used to store travel suitcases (Reisekoffer) there.
• Idiom: "Ich hab' noch einen Koffer in Berlin" (I still have a suitcase in Berlin) is a famous German idiom (from a song popularized by Marlene Dietrich and Hildegard Knef) expressing longing for or a special connection to Berlin.