der  Schornstein

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃɔʁnʃtaɪn/

🧱 What Exactly is a 'Schornstein'?

A Schornstein (chimney or sometimes smokestack) is a structure designed to safely vent smoke or exhaust gases from a fireplace, stove, furnace, or boiler to the outside atmosphere. It usually protrudes above the roof of a building.

The word "Schornstein" is masculine in German, so the correct article is der Schornstein.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'der Schornstein'

As a masculine noun, "Schornstein" is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

• Der alte Schornstein muss saniert werden. (The old chimney needs to be repaired. - Nominative Singular)
• Der Rauch zog durch den Schornstein ab. (The smoke went up through the chimney. - Accusative Singular)
• Die Nester der Vögel wurden aus den Schornsteinen entfernt. (The birds' nests were removed from the chimneys. - Dative Plural)
• Die Höhe des Schornsteins ist beeindruckend. (The height of the chimney is impressive. - Genitive Singular)

💨 When and How to Use 'Schornstein'?

The term Schornstein is primarily used in the context of buildings and heating systems.

• Buildings: Almost every house with a fireplace or stove has a Schornstein. "Auf dem Dach sieht man den Schornstein." (You can see the chimney on the roof.)
• Industry: Large factories often have tall industrial Schornsteine (smokestacks) for venting exhaust gases. "Der Schornstein der Fabrik raucht." (The factory's smokestack is smoking.)
• Ships: Larger ships also have Schornsteine (funnels) to release engine exhaust.
• Figuratively: It's rarely used figuratively, e.g., for someone who smokes heavily ("Er raucht wie ein Schornstein" - He smokes like a chimney).

Synonyms like Kamin or Esse are sometimes used interchangeably. However, Kamin often refers to the fireplace itself inside the room, while Esse tends to mean large industrial smokestacks or very old/simple flues.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of the Schornsteinfeger (chimney sweep). The profession is traditionally masculine - der Schornsteinfeger cleans den Schornstein. This helps remember der Schornstein.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a tall structure made of Stein (stone) where smoke has to make a shorn path upwards (even though 'Schorn' doesn't mean 'shorn', the sound might help). Picture a stone tower channeling smoke.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Related Terms

• Schornsteinfeger/Kaminkehrer: Chimney sweep (the professional who cleans and inspects chimneys).
• Rauch / Abgas: Smoke / exhaust gas (what is vented through the Schornstein).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Schornstein gute Laune?
Weil er immer einen Zug drauf hat!

(Why is the chimney in a good mood?
Because it's always 'got a drag/pull'! - This is a pun. "Einen Zug drauf haben" can mean to be drawing well (like a chimney) or colloquially, to be slightly drunk or high.)

📜 Poem about the Chimney

Hoch ragt der Schornstein in die Luft,
trägt Rauch hinaus mit sanftem Duft.
Aus Stein gebaut, steht er so fest,
gibt Wärme uns, wenn's draußen bläst.
Der Feger kommt mit Hut und Besen,
damit wir sicher sind gewesen.

(High stands the chimney in the air,
Carries smoke out with gentle flair.
Built out of stone, it stands so fast,
Gives warmth to us when cold winds blast.
The sweep arrives with hat and broom,
So safety fills our living room.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich steh' auf dem Dach, bin hoch und lang,
lass' Rauch entweichen, hör den Klang
des Feuers tief in meinem Bauch.
Der Feger kennt mich auch.

Wer bin ich?

(I stand on the roof, I'm tall and long,
I let smoke escape, hear the song
Of fire deep inside my gut.
The chimney sweep knows me, too.

Who am I?)

Solution: Der Schornstein (The chimney)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

• Word Composition: The word "Schornstein" is a compound noun. The first part "Schorn" is archaic but might derive from Middle High German "schor(re)" (support, rock ledge) or be related to "scheren" (in the sense of protruding). The second part "Stein" means stone, referring to the building material.
• Good Luck Charm: The Schornsteinfeger (chimney sweep) is traditionally considered a symbol of good luck in Germany and other countries. Touching them or twisting a button on their uniform is thought to bring good fortune. This originated from the fact that clean chimneys prevented devastating house fires.
• Building Regulations: The construction and maintenance of Schornsteine are subject to strict regulations (Kehr- und Überprüfungsordnung - Sweeping and Inspection Ordinance) to minimize fire hazards and health risks from exhaust gases.