der  Luxus

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlʊksʊs/

💎 What does "der Luxus" mean?

Der Luxus (noun, masculine) describes a state or items that go beyond what is necessary or usual, offering special comfort, enjoyment, or high quality. It often refers to costly amenities that are not essential for survival but make life more pleasant.

Essentially, Luxus means:

• An elaborate lifestyle characterized by wealth and comfort.
• Particularly expensive, high-quality, or rare goods and services (e.g., Luxusautos - luxury cars, Luxusreisen - luxury trips).
• Something one rarely indulges in or that is perceived as a special treat (e.g., sich den Luxus leisten, auszuschlafen - “to afford oneself the luxury of sleeping in”).

⚠️ Although often seen positively, “Luxus” can also have negative undertones, hinting at wastefulness or excess.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "Luxus" in Detail

The word „Luxus“ is a masculine noun. It is primarily used in the singular because it often describes an abstract concept. A plural form (die Luxusse) is very rare and uncommon. Instead, people often use circumscriptions like Luxusgüter (luxury goods) or Luxusartikel (luxury articles).

Declension Singular

🚨 Note: The plural is rarely formed. When talking about multiple luxury items, compound nouns like die Luxusgüter, die Luxusartikel, or die Luxusgegenstände are commonly used.

Example Sentences

1. Der Luxus eines eigenen Swimmingpools ist nicht für jeden erschwinglich.
   (The luxury of one's own swimming pool is not affordable for everyone.)
2. Sie gönnte sich den Luxus einer langen Reise nach dem Studium.
   (She treated herself to the luxury of a long trip after her studies.)
3. Für ihn bedeutet wahrer Luxus, Zeit mit seiner Familie zu verbringen.
   (For him, true luxury means spending time with his family.)
4. Manche Leute definieren Luxus nur über materielle Dinge.
   (Some people define luxury only through material things.)

💡 How to use "der Luxus"?

Der Luxus is used to describe something perceived as particularly pleasant, high-quality, expensive, or uncommon.

• Context: Often used in relation to wealth, lifestyle, high-end products (fashion, cars, real estate, travel), or even intangible goods like time or tranquility.
• Typical phrases:
  • sich (Dativ) Luxus leisten/gönnen: To afford/treat oneself to something special. (e.g., „Ich leiste mir den Luxus, heute nicht zu kochen.“ - I'm affording myself the luxury of not cooking today.)
  • im Luxus leben: To live in luxury, have a very wealthy and comfortable lifestyle.
  • purer Luxus: Pure luxury; something absolutely unnecessary but very pleasant.
• Distinction: Unlike „der Wohlstand“ (prosperity), which describes general wealth, „der Luxus“ focuses more on the specific consumption and enjoyment of expensive or special things and amenities. „Die Pracht“ (splendor, magnificence) relates more to impressive appearance, whereas Luxus emphasizes comfort and exclusivity.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Luxus"

Article Mnemonic: Many loanwords from Latin ending in -us are masculine in German: der Campus, der Status, der Bonus – and also der Luxus. Picture a rich man (masculine) affording lots of Luxus.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word „Luxus“ sounds similar to the English words „lush“ or „luxe“. Imagine living a lush life full of Luxus (luxury).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Luxuriös (adjective): Luxurious (describes something as being luxury, e.g., „ein luxuriöses Hotel“ - a luxurious hotel).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der eine Millionär den anderen: „Sag mal, brauchst du wirklich schon wieder eine neue Yacht?“
Antwortet der andere: „Ach, weißt du, die alte hatte schon einen vollen Aschenbecher. Das ist doch kein Luxus mehr!“

Translation:
One millionaire asks the other: "Tell me, do you really need another new yacht already?"
The other replies: "Oh, you know, the old one already had a full ashtray. That's hardly luxury anymore!"

📜 Poem about Luxury

Gold'ner Glanz und Seide fein,
Der Luxus lädt zum Träumen ein.
Ein schnelles Auto, Schloss am Meer,
Doch ist das Glück, fragt man sich sehr.

Ein warmes Bad, ein freier Tag,
Was mancher Luxus nennen mag.
Ob groß, ob klein, ob laut, ob still,
Was wahrer Luxus ist, entscheidet, wer will.

Translation:
Golden shine and silk so fine,
Luxury invites one to dream and dine.
A fast car, a castle by the sea,
But is that happiness, one asks with a plea.

A warm bath, a day off, free,
What some might call luxury.
Whether big or small, loud or still,
What true luxury is, is decided by will.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin nicht nötig, doch begehrt,
Bin oft teuer und viel wert.
Man gönnt mich sich, wenn Geld vorhanden,
Bin Komfort in vielen Landen.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Der Luxus

Translation:
I am not needed, yet desired,
Often expensive and much admired.
People indulge when money flows,
I'm comfort wherever one goes.

What am I?

Solution: Der Luxus (Luxury)

🌐 Further Insights into Luxus

Etymology: The word „Luxus“ comes directly from the Latin word luxus, which originally meant 'abundance', 'dislocation', but also 'extravagance', 'wastefulness', and 'revelling in pleasure'.

Compound Nouns: „Luxus“ forms many compound words in German, describing high-end or expensive versions of things:

• Luxusauto (luxury car)
• Luxusartikel (luxury item/article)
• Luxusproblem (a 'first-world problem', a problem that only arises when one has no real worries)
• Luxusreise (luxury trip)
• Luxussteuer (luxury tax)