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Dachterrasse
🌇 What Exactly is a Dachterrasse?
A Dachterrasse is a terrace located on the roof (Dach) of a building. It's typically an open area used for relaxation, social activities, or sometimes gardening. Unlike a Balkon (balcony), which protrudes from the building's facade, the Dachterrasse is part of the roof surface.
Because the word 'Terrasse' is feminine (die Terrasse), 'Dachterrasse' is also feminine: die Dachterrasse.
⚠️ Don't confuse it with a simple flat roof without railings or aménagements.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Dachterrasse
The noun „Dachterrasse“ is feminine. The article is „die“.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Dachterrasse |
| Genitive | der | Dachterrasse |
| Dative | der | Dachterrasse |
| Accusative | die | Dachterrasse |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Dachterrassen |
| Genitive | der | Dachterrassen |
| Dative | den | Dachterrassen |
| Accusative | die | Dachterrassen |
📝 Example Sentences
- Im Sommer verbringen wir die Abende oft auf unserer Dachterrasse.
(In summer, we often spend the evenings on our roof terrace.) - Die Wohnung verfügt über eine große Dachterrasse mit Blick über die Stadt.
(The apartment has a large roof terrace with a view over the city.) - Auf der Dachterrasse wachsen Kräuter und Tomaten.
(Herbs and tomatoes grow on the roof terrace.) - Wir suchen eine neue Wohnung, idealerweise mit einer Dachterrasse.
(We are looking for a new apartment, ideally with a roof terrace.)
🛋️ How is Dachterrasse Used?
The term Dachterrasse is used to describe a specific type of outdoor space located on a roof. Typical use cases include:
- Residential Context: Describing a feature of an apartment or house, especially in urban areas where gardens are rare. It's a significant selling point.
- Gastronomy/Hospitality: Restaurants or bars with rooftop outdoor areas often advertise their Dachterrasse.
- Architecture: Used in blueprints and descriptions of buildings.
Comparison: A Dachterrasse is not the same as a Balkon (balcony, which is attached to a facade) or a Garten (garden, typically at ground level). It is often larger than a balcony and usually offers more privacy and a better view.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Remembering the Article: Think that die Terrasse (the terrace) is feminine. Even when it moves onto the Dach (roof), it remains a lady: die Dachterrasse.
Remembering the Meaning: Break it down: Dach (roof) + Terrasse (terrace). A terrace that's right on top of the roof. Imagine sitting on the roof enjoying the view – that's the Dachterrasse.
↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
- Keller: (Cellar/Basement) Underground space.
- Erdgeschoss: (Ground floor) Living at ground level.
- Innenhof: (Courtyard) Open area within a building complex, but at ground level.
Similar but Different Terms:
😂 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Gärtner ihre Leiter mit auf die Dachterrasse?
Damit sie zum Hoch-Beet kommen! 🌱🪜
(Why do gardeners take their ladder to the roof terrace?
So they can get to the 'high' bed! [Pun: Hochbeet = raised bed; hoch = high])
📜 A Little Poem
Hoch überm Lärm, der Stadt entrückt,
Die Dachterrasse uns beglückt.
Mit Blick so weit, bei Sonnenschein,
Lädt sie zum Träumen, Verweilen ein.
Ein Freiraum oben, windumweht,
Wo Großstadt-Sehnsucht leise weht.
(High above the noise, escaped from the city,
The roof terrace delights us.
With a view so wide, in sunshine bright,
It invites to dream, to linger alright.
An open space above, swept by the breeze,
Where big-city longing softly appease.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin kein Balkon, kein Garten klein,
Ich biete Platz im Sonnenschein.
Hoch auf dem Haus, dem Himmel nah,
Was bin ich wohl? Na klar:
... Die Dachterrasse
(I'm not a balcony, no garden small,
I offer space in sunshine for all.
High on the house, near the sky so vast,
What am I? Of course, it's cast:
... The roof terrace)
✨ Other Information
Word Composition:
The word „Dachterrasse“ is a compound noun, made up of:
- Das Dach: The roof (the top covering of a building).
- Die Terrasse: The terrace (a level, often paved area adjoining a house).
Trivia:
- Roof terraces (Dachterrassen) are particularly popular in densely populated cities as they provide private outdoor space where gardens are impossible.
- The design of Dachterrassen can range from simple seating areas to elaborate roof gardens (Dachgärten) with plants, ponds, or even small pools.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Dachterrasse?
The word Dachterrasse is a feminine noun. The correct article is die. It refers to an outdoor seating area or terrace located on the roof of a building.