die
Hotellerie
🏨 What does "die Hotellerie" mean?
The word die Hotellerie (feminine) collectively refers to the hotel industry or the hospitality sector related to accommodation. It encompasses all economic activities associated with operating hotels, guesthouses, inns, and similar lodging establishments.
It's an umbrella term for the sector that provides services related to accommodation and often also meals for travelers and guests.
⚠️ It is almost exclusively used in the singular form because it describes an entire economic sector.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ie → almost always feminine.
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar of "die Hotellerie"
"Die Hotellerie" is a feminine noun. Since it's a collective term for an industry, it is normally only used in the singular. A plural form theoretically exists ("die Hotellerien"), but it is extremely rare and unusual.
Declension (Singular)
| Case | Article | Noun | English Translation of Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Hotellerie | Who/What? |
| Genitive | der | Hotellerie | Whose? |
| Dative | der | Hotellerie | To whom? |
| Accusative | die | Hotellerie | Whom/What? |
Example Sentences
- Die Hotellerie in der Schweiz hat einen ausgezeichneten Ruf.
(The hotel industry in Switzerland has an excellent reputation.) - Er arbeitet seit vielen Jahren in der Hotellerie.
(He has been working in the hotel industry for many years.) - Wegen der Pandemie litt die Hotellerie unter starken Umsatzeinbußen.
(Due to the pandemic, the hotel industry suffered significant revenue losses.) - Die Digitalisierung verändert auch die Hotellerie maßgeblich.
(Digitalization is also significantly changing the hotel industry.)
💡 How is "Hotellerie" used?
The term "die Hotellerie" is mainly used in economic, tourism, and educational contexts:
- Economy & Tourism: To describe the sector, its economic importance, trends, and challenges. Example: "Die Investitionen in die deutsche Hotellerie steigen." (Investments in the German hotel industry are increasing.)
- Profession & Education: When discussing careers, training, or study programs in the hotel business. Example: "Sie studiert Management in der Hotellerie." (She is studying management in the hotel industry.)
- Technical Language: In specialized articles, reports, and discussions about the hospitality sector.
It is a more formal term than simply "Hotels". It emphasizes the industry aspect.
🧠 Mnemonics for Hotellerie
Article Mnemonic: Many German nouns ending in -ie that describe an industry or concept are feminine (die), like die Industrie (the industry), die Demokratie (the democracy). So: die Hotellerie.
Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "Hotel" + the ending "-erie", which often denotes an activity or place (like Bäckerei - bakery). Here, it stands for the entire field, the "industry" of hotels.
🔄 Synonyms & Related Terms
Synonyms:
- Das Hotelgewerbe: (The hotel trade/business) Very common synonym, emphasizes the commercial aspect.
- Die Hotelbranche: (The hotel sector/branch) Also very common, emphasizes the economic sector.
- Das Beherbergungswesen: (The accommodation sector) Slightly broader, can include youth hostels etc., more formal.
- Das Gastgewerbe: (The hospitality industry) Includes gastronomy (restaurants, cafes etc.) in addition to accommodation. "Hotellerie" is more specific to lodging.
Antonyms (in a broader sense):
Direct antonyms don't really exist. You could contrast it with other sectors:
- Die Industrie (Industry)
- Der Einzelhandel (Retail)
- Die Landwirtschaft (Agriculture)
Similar Terms:
- Die Gastronomie: Focuses on food and beverages.
- Der Tourismus: Encompasses travel in general; the hotel industry is a part of it.
😂 A Little Joke
DE: Warum hat das Hotel WLAN im Aufzug installiert?
Damit die Gäste auch auf allen Ebenen eine gute Verbindung haben!
EN: Why did the hotel install Wi-Fi in the elevator?
So that the guests have a good connection on all levels! (Pun: 'Ebenen' means levels/floors)
📜 Poem about the Hotellerie
DE:
Wo Gastfreundschaft zuhause ist,
und Komfort man nie vermisst.
Betten weich, der Service fein,
das muss die Hotellerie wohl sein.
Vom Check-in bis zum Zimmer rein,
sie lädt zum Bleiben herzlich ein.
EN:
Where hospitality is at home,
And comfort is never missed.
Beds soft, the service fine,
That must surely be the hotel line (industry).
From check-in to the room within,
It cordially invites you to stay in.
❓ Riddle
DE:
Ich biete Betten, doch schlaf' nicht selbst.
Ich habe viele Schlüssel, doch kein Schloss passt perfekt.
Ich bin eine Branche, für Reisende gemacht,
hab' Sterne oft, bei Tag und Nacht.
Wer bin ich?
EN:
I offer beds, but don't sleep myself.
I have many keys, yet no lock fits perfectly.
I am an industry, made for travelers,
Often have stars, by day and night.
What am I?
(Solution: die Hotellerie / the hotel industry)
🌐 Other Information
Word Origin: The German word "Hotellerie" comes from the French word hôtellerie, which in turn derives from hôtel (originally a large city house, later an inn for travelers).
Scope: The Hotellerie covers a wide range of establishments, from simple guesthouses and motels to luxurious five-star hotels and resorts.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Hotellerie?
The correct article for "Hotellerie" is die. It is a feminine noun meaning the hotel industry or hospitality sector, and it's typically used in the singular (e.g., die Hotellerie is suffering from the crisis).