der
Sessel
🛋️ What exactly is a Sessel?
Der Sessel refers to a comfortable, upholstered piece of furniture for one person to sit on, typically featuring armrests. Unlike a simple Stuhl (chair), a Sessel is often larger, softer, and designed for comfort.
It's a central element in many Wohnzimmer (living rooms) and invites relaxation, reading, or watching TV.
🚨 Attention: Although Sessel is always masculine (der Sessel) in standard German, some regional dialects (e.g., in the South) might use "das Sessel". However, for standard usage, only der Sessel is correct.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-el → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. there are many -el words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar Under the Microscope: Der Sessel
The noun "Sessel" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Sessel |
| Genitive | des | Sessels |
| Dative | dem | Sessel |
| Accusative | den | Sessel |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Sessel |
| Genitive | der | Sessel |
| Dative | den | Sesseln |
| Accusative | die | Sessel |
Example Sentences
- Der alte Sessel im Wohnzimmer ist sehr bequem. (The old armchair in the living room is very comfortable.)
- Wir brauchen einen neuen Sessel für die Leseecke. (We need a new armchair for the reading corner.)
- Die Katze schläft gerne auf dem Sessel. (The cat likes sleeping on the armchair.)
- Kannst du bitte die Kissen auf die Sessel legen? (Can you please put the cushions on the armchairs?)
💬 How to Use "der Sessel"
The term "Sessel" is mainly used for comfortable, often upholstered seats with armrests.
- Typical Context: Wohnzimmer (living rooms), Lesezimmer (reading rooms), offices (Chefsessel - executive chair), waiting areas.
- Distinction from "Stuhl": A Stuhl (chair) is usually simpler, often without upholstery or armrests, and primarily used for sitting at a table (dining table, desk). A Sessel is more for relaxation.
- Specific Types: There are many compound words like Fernsehsessel (TV recliner), Ohrensessel (wingback chair), Relaxsessel (recliner), Massagesessel (massage chair), Chefsessel (executive chair).
🧠 Mnemonics to Remember
Remembering the Article: Imagine a strong man (der Mann) sitting comfortably in a big armchair (Sessel). You could say: "Der man needs den Sessel". The masculine article *der* fits the sturdy, substantial nature of an armchair.
Remembering the Meaning: A Sessel sounds a bit like "settle". You *settle* into an armchair for comfort. It's a place to get comfortable and *settle* down.
🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
😂 A Little Joke
DE: Fragt der Enkel den Opa: "Opa, warum heißt der Ohrensessel eigentlich Ohrensessel?"
Opa: "Damit er besser hören kann, wenn Oma ruft, dass das Essen fertig ist!"
EN: The grandson asks his grandpa: "Grandpa, why is a wingback chair called an Ohrensessel ('ear chair')?"
Grandpa: "So it can hear better when Grandma calls that dinner is ready!"
✍️ Poem about the Sessel
DE:
Ein Sessel, weich und breit,
steht für Gemütlichkeit.
Mit Lehne, Polster, Arm am Rand,
ist er im Wohnraum wohlbekannt.
Man sinkt hinein, vergisst die Zeit,
der Sessel hält Geborgenheit.
EN:
An armchair, soft and wide,
Stands for comfort inside.
With backrest, cushion, arm at the edge,
In the living room, it holds its pledge.
You sink right in, forget the day,
Der Sessel keeps unease at bay.
❓ Riddle Time
DE:
Ich habe Arme, doch kann nicht umarmen.
Ich habe einen Rücken, doch keine Wirbelsäule.
Ich lade dich ein, dich auszuruhn,
nach einem langen Tag, was ist zu tun?
Wer oder was bin ich?
EN:
I have arms, but cannot hug.
I have a back, but no spine.
I invite you to rest your weary mug,
After a long day, what's the design?
Who or what am I?
(... Der Sessel / The armchair)
💡 More Interesting Facts
Word Origin: The word "Sessel" comes from the Old High German word "sezzal", which simply meant “seat” or “chair”. It is related to the verb "sitzen" (to sit).
Compound Words: The versatility of the Sessel is shown in many compound nouns (Komposita):
- Fernsehsessel: (TV chair/recliner) Specifically designed for watching TV, often with a footrest.
- Ohrensessel: (Wingback chair) Has side headrests (“ears” - Ohren) that protect from drafts and create a cozy feeling.
- Chefsessel: (Executive chair) A representative office chair, often made of leather and well-padded.
- Relaxsessel: (Recliner) With an adjustable backrest and footrest for relaxation.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Sessel?
The word "Sessel" is masculine, so the correct article is der Sessel. The plural form is "die Sessel".