der  Neubau

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnɔʏbaʊ/

🏗️ What exactly is a Neubau?

The German word Neubau (masculine, article der) primarily refers to a newly constructed building or part of a building. It can also refer to the act or process of building itself.

• Meaning 1: A recently completed building or one still under construction. (Example: Wir ziehen bald in einen Neubau. - We are moving into a new building soon.)
• Meaning 2: The process of erecting a new building. (Example: Der Neubau der Schule dauert länger als geplant. - The new construction of the school is taking longer than planned.)

The opposite is der Altbau (old building) or der Bestandsbau (existing building).

📊 Grammar in Detail: Der Neubau

The word "Neubau" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

💬 Example Sentences

1. Der Neubau am Marktplatz ist fast fertig. (The new building on the market square is almost finished. - Nominative Singular)
2. Die Kosten des Neubaus sind stark gestiegen. (The costs of the new building have risen sharply. - Genitive Singular)
3. Wir haben dem Architekten des Neubaus gedankt. (We thanked the architect of the new building. - Dative Singular)
4. Die Stadt plant einen weiteren Neubau. (The city is planning another new building. - Accusative Singular)
5. Viele Neubauten verändern das Stadtbild. (Many new buildings are changing the cityscape. - Nominative Plural)

🤔 How to Use "Neubau" Correctly?

"Neubau" is frequently used in the context of real estate, architecture, urban planning, and construction.

• Real estate ads: "Helle 3-Zimmer-Wohnung im Neubau zu vermieten." (Bright 3-room apartment in a new building for rent.)
• News reports: "Der Neubau des Krankenhauses beginnt im nächsten Jahr." (The new construction of the hospital begins next year.)
• Everyday language: "Sie wohnen jetzt in einem Neubau am Stadtrand." (They now live in a new building on the outskirts of the city.)

A common distinction is made between Neubau and Altbau (old building). Neubauten typically meet modern standards (e.g., energy efficiency), while Altbauten often have charm and historical elements but may require renovation.

⚠️ Caution: Sometimes "Neubau" is used slightly disparagingly for faceless, modern architecture, but its primary meaning is neutral.

🧠 Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic (der):

Imagine a big, strong (masculine!) crane - DER Kran - erecting the Neubau. The crane (der) is the helper for den Bau (the construction/building).

Meaning Mnemonic (New Building/Construction Process):

Neu (new) + Bau (build/construction) = Simply, a new build! Think of fresh concrete and construction workers – either the finished result or the action itself.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Words

Similar sounding/confusing words:

• Anbau: An extension added to an existing building.
• Umbau: The renovation or alteration of an existing building.

😂 A Little Chuckle

German: Fragt der Architekt den Bauherrn: "Gefällt Ihnen der Entwurf für den Neubau?" Sagt der Bauherr: "Ja, aber können wir die tragende Wand im Wohnzimmer nicht einfach weglassen? Sie stört mich irgendwie."

English Translation: The architect asks the client: "Do you like the design for the new building (Neubau)?" The client says: "Yes, but can't we just leave out the load-bearing wall in the living room? It kind of bothers me."

✒️ Poetically about the Neubau

German:
Stein auf Stein, das Werk beginnt,
Ein Neubau in den Himmel spinnt.
Frischer Putz und Glas so klar,
Ein neues Heim wird bald nun wahr.
Der Kran, der Riese, hebt die Last,
Bis alles passt, ganz ohne Hast.
Ein Haus entsteht, modern und schick,
Ein neues Wohngefühl, ein Glück!

English Translation:
Stone on stone, the work takes hold,
A Neubau, a story to unfold.
Fresh plaster white and glass so bright,
A new home soon will see the light.
The crane, the giant, lifts the weight,
Till all fits well, sealing its fate.
A house arises, sleek and new,
A novel living feeling, true!

❓ A Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin ganz frisch und stand hier nicht,
hab Fenster hell und viel Gesicht.
Bin weder alt noch lang bekannt,
wie werd' ich denn im Land genannt?

English Translation:
I'm brand new and wasn't here before,
have bright windows and many a door (face/facade).
I'm neither old nor known for long,
what am I called where I belong?

... Der Neubau (The new building)

💡 Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

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

• Neu: Adjective, meaning 'new', 'recently created'.
• Bau: Noun (der Bau), meaning 'building' or 'the act of building/construction'.

Erstbezug: Moving into a Neubau for the first time is called Erstbezug (first occupancy), which is particularly attractive to tenants or buyers because everything is unused.